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

349. Memorandum for the Files⁰

Washington, May 9, 1962.

SUBJECT

• Luncheon Conversation between the Attorney General and Ambassador Dobrynin on May 9, 1962

The Attorney General lunched today with Ambassador Dobrynin, who had the following comments to make on the situation in Laos:

1. It is unfortunate that the United States has taken so long to move the RLG to negotiations on a coalition government.

2. Nam Tha is an understandable event in the light of Phoumi’s recently sending additional battalions there.

3. It is unfortunate that this has happened; but Premier Khrushchev has not changed his policy of achieving an independent and neutral Laos.

0. Source: Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Countries Series, Laos: General, 5/1/62–5/9/62. Secret. Prepared by Forrestal on May 9.