423. Memorandum From the Deputy Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs (Johnson) to the Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Harriman)0
SUBJECT
- Laos
What do you think of our attempting shortly to engage Khrushchev’s personal prestige on withdrawal of the Viet Minh from Laos and the use of the corridor by a personal message from the President? My thought is that, given the background, the President might send something to Khrushchev to the effect that we are scrupulously observing agreements but are highly concerned over the slowness of Viet Minh withdrawal and reports of Viet Minh fading into Pathet Lao units, and in effect ask for Khrushchev’s personal assurance that all Viet Minh will be out and use of the corridor stopped by October 7. I do not know whether we have sufficient base on which to mention Chicoms in Phong Saly.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/9–2162. Confidential. Harriman wrote the following note at the bottom of the memorandum: “Alex, I think it is too soon. Pushkin told me they would be out by Oct 7th. Bill Sullivan has some assurance from Souphanouvong a few days ago. The time to bring in the big guns is after Oct 7th if we have sufficient evidence in which to complain. WAH.”↩