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

90. Telegram From the Department of State to Secretary of State Rusk, at Geneva⁰

Washington, May 14, 1961, 10 p.m.

Tosec 101. Eyes Only Secretary from Acting Secretary. President has seen text of Sectos 117¹ and 118² and dictated to me following message for you. I want you to know that President was very complimentary of way you are handling things and is fully satisfied that you are doing everything possible under circumstances. President entirely shares and understands your frustrations with situation with which you have been faced. President’s message to you is as follows:

“May 14, 1961.

I received your cable and think your judgment is right to continue. I am annoyed as I am sure you are at those who are associated with us or neutrals who permit us to carry the heavy load of argument before the press of the world with so little support. I am tired of reading that the Canadians, the British or the Indians are attempting to adjust feuds between the Russians and the militant Americans. I think you should make it clear to the Canadians, British and neutrals who will listen that you feel they are making a serious mistake, that you are prepared to stay at the conference however and then play a less prominent role. Let us see what they are able to do and if it looks as though it would be a disaster let us be prepared to withdraw at the appropriate moment and on an appropriate issue. I think we should let the British, etc. carry more of the burden, stay somewhat in the background, and continue to watch developments with great care.”

Re Secto 117 President suggests following changes in proposed statement. Amend penultimate sentence first paragraph to read as follows: “This is considered particularly helpful, for example, when questions affecting cease fire arrangements are involved, even though such other Laotians present do not possess governmental status.” Delete all of last sentence first paragraph.³ Delete last two sentences second paragraph.⁴

Bowles

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/5–1461. Secret; Niact; Verbatim Text. Drafted by the President, Bowles, and U. Alexis Johnson, who also approved it.
1. See footnote 3, Document 89.
2. Document 89.
3. After indicating that the Delegation thought it appropriate for the conference to hear other Lao with whom the Royal Lao Government was then holding discussions, the penultimate sentence of paragraph 1 of Secto 117 reads: “This is considered to be particularly helpful for example, when questions affecting the cease-fire arrangements are involved.” The last sentence of this paragraph read: “If other individuals from Laos are present, the US Delegation cannot agree that their presence confers any status which they might individually claim.”
4. The last two sentences read: “Any arrangements affecting Laos would, of course, have to be acceptable to the duly constituted Government of that country. It is on this basis that the US Delegation expects to attend the conference when convened.” For the statement as released on May 15, see American Foreign Policy: Current Documents, 1961, p. 1003.