Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume VII, Vietnam, July 1970–January 1972

229. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon¹

Washington, July 3, 1971.

SUBJECT

• The Current Military Situation and Short Term Prospects in North Laos

The CIA recently submitted to the Washington Special Actions Group a report on the current military situation and short term prospects in north Laos.² The major points in that report follow.

• —General Vang Pao, leader of the pro-government irregular troops in north Laos, began a counteroffensive in early June to retake certain points on the southern part of the Plain of Jars.
• —In so doing, he hopes to threaten the flank and rear of NVA forces operating southwest of the plain, thereby forcing them to pull back from that area. He also hopes to relieve enemy pressure in the vicinity of Bouam Long, an area which is important to his fellow Meo tribesmen.
• —So far, Vang Pao has failed to retake his initial target, which is still well defended by enemy forces. But he has seized another point on the southern part of the plain, which serves the same general objectives. As a result, elements of two enemy units have withdrawn to the southern part of the plain.
• —Vang Pao intends to reinforce positions he captures with Thai irregulars, thus freeing his own forces for further initiatives.
• —During the remainder of the rainy season Vang Pao will probably continue to maneuver flexibly and to exploit any tactical advantages he may develop in the process.
• —No new enemy offensives are foreseen during this period. On the other hand, enemy forces are well entrenched and Vang Pao will probably not make as much headway as he did during the same period last year.

Comment. Vang Pao is proceeding with more flexibility than we had originally anticipated. His decision to bypass his original target in favor of a secondary objective was not fully coordinated with the CIA Station in Laos. However, the Station has reported that it would be unrealistic to expect Vang Pao to adhere to a rigid schedule. The CIA Station believes that his moves have been sound so far, and it promises to do its best to keep them that way.

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 549, Country Files-Far East, Laos 1 Jul–31 Dec 71. Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. Sent for information. Haig signed for Kissinger. A stamped notation on the memorandum reads, “The President has seen.”
2. A June 24 memorandum from Karamessines to Kissinger, Johnson, Packard, and Moorer, entitled “Vang Pao’s Objectives in Current Operations On or Near the Plain of Jars.” (Ibid.)