52. Editorial Note
In a memorandum to President Kennedy, April 1, 1961, McGeorge Bundy discussed “some of the key diplomatic issues in the probable diplomacy” regarding Laos, commenting that “the Soviet Union in agreeing to negotiation believes that it can secure eventually what it is taking rapidly by military action. Consequently, we should consider immediately what encouragement and hard assistance might be given to Thailand, Cambodia, and South Vietnam to strengthen their position with respect to a ‘neutral’ Laos which will provide a bridge to their borders for Communist subversion and guerrilla operations.” For text of the memorandum, see Foreign Relations, 1961–1963, volume XXIV, pages 112–116.