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

316. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Thailand⁰

Washington, March 23, 1962, 10 a.m.

1451. Eyes Only for Harriman. Re last para Deptel 1428.¹

1. The President feels that it would be unwise now to cut off military supplies to Phoumi as it would give Phoumi and others opportunity to exploit false charges against Administration that it had destroyed the freedom of Laos at a time when, they claimed, Phoumi was still able to hold on.

2. If Harriman feels it wise during the course of his visit and talks with Phoumi if such take place, President has no objection to Harriman informing Phoumi that Harriman is going to recommend to the President that military aid to RLG should be cut off. However, President feels Harriman should do this only after most careful consideration of all aspects of problem.

3. The President suggests possibility that the numerous high-level approaches being made to Phoumi are feeding his ego in such a way as to be counterproductive to the objectives we are seeking and, if Harriman concurs, suggests perhaps the adoption now of an appearance of detachment with respect to him might be more productive. What the President has in mind is that Harriman could again make clear to Phoumi that he can have no basis for any belief that US would militarily intervene on his behalf, pointing out that during the past two weeks consultation with Congressional leadership has demonstrated that the Congress is strongly against any intervention in Laos, and that members of the JCS have recommended against such intervention. Therefore, Phoumi should be under no illusion whatever that any maneuvering on his part can draw US into conflict. If Phoumi, being clear on this point, chooses to pursue a course which can only bring ruin to his country, he must bear full responsibility and we are no longer going to cajole or run after him.²

Ball

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/3–2362. Secret; Niact. Drafted by U. Alexis Johnson; cleared with Rice, Koren, Ball, and in substance with the President; and approved by Johnson. Repeated to Geneva eyes only for Secretary.
1. Document 312.
2. In telegram 1456 to Bangkok, March 23, also sent as telegram 829 to Vientiane, Ball informed Harriman that Harriman’s request in telegram 1462 from Bangkok, March 23 (see footnote 2, Document 314), had been brought to the President’s attention before his departure to the West Coast. The President still felt that he could not modify his decision as contained in telegram 1447, Document 315. However, the President said he was anxious to help Harriman in his difficult mission in any way he could “below the level of military sanctions.” Ball admitted that the Department had searched in vain for possible leverage on Phoumi, but authorized Harriman at his discretion to commit U.S. funds to other members of the RLG along the lines of those contemplated for Phoumi, if it would be helpful. (Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/3–2362)