161. Telegram From the Delegation to the Conference on Laos to the Department of State0
Confe 512. From Harriman. Re Fecon 334.1 Weekly evaluation.
Overriding event current week affecting Laos Conference was U.S., UK, French Foreign Ministers’ agreement adopted Paris August 7. Under terms this agreement, UK and France joined U.S. in stipulating conditions which all three Western Powers would consider prerequisite to our support Government of National Union under Souvanna Phouma. Latest reports from Vientiane indicate that Brown has encountered serious difficulties in persuading Phoumi desirability Western initiative conveying these conditions to Souvanna.2 This difficulty may be explained in part by personality differences between Phoumi and French Ambassador Falaize who chosen as initial Western emissary to Souvanna. I am disturbed, however, that they may have their root in more fundamental problem; namely, Phoumi reluctance support any initiative which might result peaceful compromise Lao political situation [Page 369] and preclude him from effort involve U.S. in military enterprise designed reestablish RLG control over Laos by military force.
Conference itself has completed discussions on neutrality declarations as result which agreement in principle was reached on nine items, which were then referred to drafting committee for composing differences on wording. Ten items were disagreed and left for future negotiation. We have turned to consideration draft protocols on authority for ICC. Last several days have been marked by noticeably less acrimonious attitude on part of bloc representatives, particularly Soviets. While I will not speculate on cause this change of attitude, it has enabled us have more businesslike exchanges of views. However, there is no give on Soviet stubbornness on substantive issues.
Our discussions are now centered on major conference issue—authority of ICC to supervise and control withdrawal of foreign military forces and personnel from Laos and prevent their reentry. To assure withdrawal of Communist military, we have insisted on broad powers ICC. Bloc is rigidly resisting as interference Laos sovereignty. Bloc is aware that all political factions Laos oppose granting independent authority to ICC, which was unpopular with all Laotians in previous operations. This again points up our need convincing both Phoumi and Souvanna (as well as Indians) importance protecting Lao independence by effective ICC. We see faint glimmers of hope that Indians may be inching in this direction. On other hand, newly arrived Burmese representative seems far less helpful on this and other issues than Barrington, his predecessor. Cooperation among British, French, Thais, Vietnamese, Canadians and ourselves remains firm.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/8–1261. Secret; Priority.↩
- In Fecon 334, August 3, the Department informed Harriman that the President had requested a weekly progress report on the Geneva Conference which would include a narrative of important aspects and Harriman’s own evaluation of important upcoming issues and developing dangers. (Ibid., 751J.00/8–361)↩
- As reported in telegrams 209 and 210 from Vientiane, both August 9. (Ibid.)↩