Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XXIV, Laos Crisis

301. Instructions Approved by President Kennedy⁰

Washington, February 28, 1962.

Our immediate objective is to bring about a coalition government under Souvanna which will have enough strength to preserve Lao neutrality and independence. In order to achieve this we must transfer support from the Phoumi dominated government to a Souvanna government which has the approval of the King, without at the same time destroying the right-wing political and military strength upon which Souvanna must rely against the Communists. In particular, we must insure that enough capable elements from Vientiane would be willing to serve in a Souvanna cabinet to give adequate balance against PL and that the FAR will remain strong enough to face the Pathet Lao at the time of the integration and demobilization of forces.

1. Ambassador Brown has full authority to use at his discretion whatever pressures (sanctions) on Phoumi are necessary to achieve our objective, except those measures which would destroy the FAR.

2. Ambassador Brown has full authority to use all overt and covert means at his disposal to influence other Lao political and military leaders for the purpose of building up individuals and groups willing to support the Souvanna coalition. Ambassador Brown should feel free to request any additional financial or other authority he feels he does not now have for this purpose.

3. Ambassador Brown has full authority to talk with anyone or to go to any place in Laos he chooses in order to follow through on our policy. In particular, he should consult with Souvanna on steps to be taken to force Phoumi to support a Souvanna coalition government, or to displace him with other political or military leaders willing and able to follow through on the Souvanna solution.

0. Source: Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Countries Series, Laos: General, 2/23/62–2/28/62. Secret. A handwritten note by McGeorge Bundy on the source text reads: “Approved by President for Sullivan-Forrestal mission at Averell’s recommendation, February 28, 1962.” Sullivan and Forrestal arrived in Vientiane on March 3.