127. Editorial Note
On June 29, from 4:30 to 7:15 p.m., the National Security Council held its 486th meeting at the White House. According to an account by Vice President Johnson’s Military Aide, Colonel Howard L. Burris, the discussion of Laos went as follows:
“With regard to Laos, Mr. Rusk gave a summary of the Zurich meetings during which Phoumi was treated with contempt. It was clear from the meetings that a neutralist government in Laos would be difficult, if not impossible, to establish. Mr. Rusk said that he had come to the conclusion that within 7 to 10 days certain difficult decisions must be made: If all cease-fire efforts fail and no further progress is made the United States must decide whether or not to intervene in Laos and to invoke, initially, Plan Five. He expressed the belief that the British would support intervention as would certain SEATO members. He observed that the issue in Laos was of such international concern that the United States of necessity had to be firm. He cited the relationship to the Berlin issue.
[Page 275]“The President inquired as to the status and condition of the government forces in Laos and added he was suspicious of relying on airstrips in Laos any longer. General Lemnitzer replied that training had continued during the cease-fire (reported by Phoumi to Lemnitzer this date). Also, two battalions have recently completed training in Thailand, and government forces now total about 32,000. The President asked for additional details and suggested to General Lemnitzer that a more complete military appraisal be made. The President suggested that Ambassador Brown maintain close relationships with the British and French to determine their reactions and their willingness to respond with the United States.
“Mr. Harriman reported on deliberations of the ICC and inferred pessimism of the outcome. He expressed the belief that Souvanna will probably become Prime Minister of Laos and the President agreed. The President Felt that it would be good under these circumstances for Souvanna to visit the United States and directed Rusk to have Gavin attempt to arrange such a visit.” (Johnson Library, Vice Presidential Security File, National Security Council (III))
Another unattributed summary account of the Laos portion of the meeting reads:
“Laos—The Secretary of State presented an outline of the current situation in Laos, closely following a memorandum sent over from the Department of State. [Document 125.] It was agreed that appropriate encouragement should be given to Phoumi and that he should be given to understand that there are points at which the United States will intervene to prevent a Communist Laos this summer. On the other hand, these points must be measured and decided by the United States and not by Phoumi, and accordingly, careful instructions will need to be sent to Ambassador Brown, and Phoumi must be encouraged to stay in close touch with the Ambassador. There was also agreement that efforts should be made to improve our communication and understanding with Souvanna, and in particular General Gavin is to be instructed to press him again in this direction.” (Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Meetings and Memorandum Series, NSC Meetings 1961, No. 486, 6/29/61)