133. Memorandum Prepared in the Department of State1
LAOS SITUATION
The month-long Laotian Princes’ meeting in Paris has become an intermittent but unproductive dialogue between Prime Minister Souvanna Phouma [Page 272] and the Pathet Lao leader, Souphanouvong. Souphanouvong has been pressing for a 14-nation conference on Lao affairs. Souvanna may well wish to go to a conference but has firmly insisted on two preconditions: (1) effective cease-fire throughout Laos and (2) withdrawal of Pathet Lao troops to positions held on May 16, before their attack against the Neutralist army on the Plain of Jars—and a basic assumption that he head the Lao delegation to such a conference in his capacity as Prime Minister.
PL Scheme
On September 15, the Pathet Lao in an effort to appear conciliatory proposed that about 1000 deserters from Kong Le’s Neutralist army, led by a Colonel Deuane, be reabsorbed by Kong Le. The Pathet Lao intended that occupation of the Plain of Jars by Deuane’s men under the label of Neutralists would be sufficient window-dressing to meet Souvanna’s most embarrassing (to them) precondition. The Pathet Lao’s adamant refusal to (1) permit ICC inspection of the area and (2) allow Kong Le’s own troops to reoccupy their former positions on the Plain clearly exposed their continued intransigence, and Souvanna rejected the proposal. In addition, the PL will only accept Souvanna as titular leader of a non-governmental delegation to a conference, not in his capacity as Prime Minister.
French Pressure
There are indications the French devised this scheme for the Pathet Lao. In any case, French officials have employed massive pressure tactics to force Souvanna to accept the PL proposal and agree to a 14-nation conference without preconditions. Initially, the French disclaimed any intent to interfere, but as no progress developed toward the 14-nation conference which General De Gaulle desires, high-level French officials have become deeply involved. They have openly supported the PL position and have been disingenuous in their dealings with us. Ambassador Alphand called on the Secretary September 16, requesting that the US help pressure Souvanna to agree.2 The Secretary rejoined that acceptance of the Pathet Lao proposal would amount to capitulation to the Communists. Souvanna has so far stood firm and Ambassador Bohlen and his staff in Paris are maintaining close contact with Souvanna and company to bolster their resistance as necessary. The French are reportedly furious over the failure of the PL proposal and blame us for Souvanna’s opposition to it.
[Page 273]De Gaulle’s Policy
Ambassador Bohlen understands that General De Gaulle’s policy and prestige are heavily engaged in the success of the Lao talks in leading to an international conference—a forum at which Vietnamese and Cambodian affairs would be discussed, as well as Lao. In this respect, Hanoi’s and Peiping’s policies coincide with the French.
Break-up of Talks
In view of the deadlock, Souvanna has planned to break-off and return to Vientiane September 21, but he has postponed his departure from Paris because a formal meeting is now scheduled between the Lao leaders on that date. After Souvanna’s departure September 22, the talks would apparently continue among the deputies of the leaders.
Military Situation
Monsoon weather continues to restrict military operations in Laos to desultory mopping-up by government troops in areas north of Vientiane. Near Tha Thom, southeast of the Plain of Jars, government troops recently captured two North Vietnamese soldiers. Both have been displayed by the Lao Government at press conferences.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 27 LAOS. Confidential. Drafted by Slutz and cleared by Trueheart and Green. Sent to the White House under cover of a memorandum from Read to McGeorge Bundy, which indicated it had been prepared at Bundy’s request.↩
- Recorded in a September 16 memorandum of conversation. (Ibid.)↩