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

57. Memorandum From the President’s Special Assistant for National Security Affairs (Rostow) to Secretary of State Rusk⁰

Washington, April 17, 1961.

Mr. Steeves wanted you to have the following message:

1. The British reluctantly agree that we should proceed to put our men into uniform and create a MAAG.

2. The British have grave reservations about the movement into Laos of a Thai battery. They enquired whether we had already talked to the Thais. Mr. Steeves said: yes.

Mr. Steeves and I discussed the difference military appreciation concerning the position around Takhek. He is taking steps this morning to insure that the British understand why we regard this position as dangerous and its correction urgent.

W.W. Rostow¹

0. Source: Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Countries Series, Laos: General, 4/17/61–4/21/61. Confidential.
1. Printed from a copy that bears this typed signature.