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

437. Memorandum From the President’s Military Representative’s Naval Aide (Bagley) to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (Taylor)⁰

Washington, November 28, 1962.

SUBJECT

• Shooting Down of Air America Plane in Laos

1. In my message summary of yesterday, I included the first report of the shooting down of an Air America plane in the Plaines des Jarres area, apparently by Pathet Lao forces.¹ This was a flight duly authorized by Souvanna and had been cleared to land by the authorities at the Plaines des Jarres airfield. This incident occurred against the background of reported difficulties, including possible armed clashes, between PL and Kong Le forces in the Plaines des Jarres. The character and extent of this activity is not known. The latest information on the aircraft incident is a telegram from Vientiane attached at Tab A.² This report indicates Souvanna is very concerned about the incident and understands the implications of such PL action within an area nominally under neutralist control.

2. As you will remember, at the 8 November meeting with the President³ it was decided to approve provision of some US supplies to KL forces in the Plaines des Jarres area. Assistance rendered so far on this authority has consisted of blankets, medical supplies, and basic food items. However, in the past few days, Souvanna has requested US assistance for these forces that goes well beyond the approved comfort items. A summary of these requests is contained in the telegram attached at Tab B.⁴ Amb Unger’s comments in this telegram suggest he favors meeting these new and broad requests, including military items, if further detailed study indicates it is feasible. If pursued, the proposed assistance would go beyond that we are now giving the FAR and Phoumi. Further, it would be done in the face of other reports that some of the comfort items passed to KL have been shared with PL forces.

3. ISA is alarmed by the inconsistency of considering expanded assistance to KL forces of this nature at the same time an Air America plane was shot down in KL territory. ISA believes that State should suspend all assistance to Kong Le until a pledge can be obtained from him that they will be used for the sole use of neutralist forces. Further, the question of whether munitions are to be included in assistance provided the neutralists should be reviewed immediately since ISA thinks it undesirable. A letter to this effect was forwarded to Alexis Johnson by Bill Bundy this afternoon.⁵

4. A telegram has just been received in State from Governor Harriman which contains a number of recommendations on the aircraft incident.⁶ These include activating the ICC, asking the British to press the Soviets for corrective action, urge the courtmartial of the PL battery commander, press Souphanouvong to make a public apology, and delay withdrawal of the Battle Group from Thailand. Mr. Koren called Admiral Riley on the Battle Group question; CincPac advises it is about 1/2 out now, the rest going shortly. State is telling Unger to consult with the British Ambassador in Vientiane and to see Souphanouvong if he considers it profitable, and has provided the President with necessary information to raise the matter with Mikoyen if desired.

5. A crucial lack of information on exactly what the situation is in the Plaines des Jarres between KL and PL forces makes it very difficult to decide on any action other than ICC investigation and the development of more facts. Public announcement has already been made on the Battle Group withdrawal. There seems to be little reason at this time to delay that withdrawal and it is impractical anyway. Other military actions can be considered as the situation clarifies. I recommend you note this issue, oppose any action to hold any part of the Battle Group in Thailand, and await results of diplomatic actions now being initiated.

WHB

0. Source: National Defense University, Taylor Papers, Laos #2, 7, T–265–69. Secret.
1. The message summary has not been found, but the message to which Bagley refers is telegram 806 from Vientiane, November 27. (Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/11–2762)
2. Not attached, but reference is to telegram 808 from Vientiane, November 27. (Ibid.)
3. See Documents 432–434.
4. Not attached, but reference is to telegram 812 from Vientiane, November 27. (Department of State, Central Files, 751J.5/11–2762)
5. Letter from Bundy to Johnson, I–21745/62, November 28. (Ibid., 751J.00/11–2862)
6. Not found.