114. Editorial Note
On February 1, 1971, the senior members of the Washington Special Actions Group met from 11 a.m. to 12:47 p.m. for another extended discussion of press guidance for the Tchepone and Chup operations. The group felt that that the press embargo on Phase I of Tchepone should be released before the Chup operation kicked off. Above all, embargos on both operations should not be released on the same day. Henry Kissinger emphasized that the Chup operation must be presented as an “ARVN Operation” designed “to keep the enemy from developing the capacity for a dry season offensive and to protect our withdrawal and Vietnamization.” The group agreed. Kissinger then told the group that when the press asked if Souvanna Phouma was consulted about the Tchepone operation, the response, according to Ambassador Godley, should be “no comment” and when Souvanna asked for all foreign troops to leave Laos, Thieu would agree to withdraw if the North Vietnamese did. The group agreed. The meeting ended with discussion of Phase II of the Tchepone operation, including its potential for success and possible losses, especially of helicopters. (National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–115, WSAG Meetings Minutes, Originals, 1971)