207. Telegram From the Embassy in Laos to the Department of State1
580. 1. I detect a recent tendency on part of press to zero in more closely than usual upon possibility of U.S. air and ground operations in Laos. This is a natural consequence of reports which indicate increased DRV infiltration through Laos.
2. It is disturbing, however, to note that responses to press inquiries by senior officials are beginning to skirt away from our policy of persistent prevarication and are running ever closer to the awful truth. I recognize that, to the cognoscenti, such carefully worded statements as those of Alex Johnson and Secretary McNamara are cleverly constructed to avoid outright lies but also to avoid open admission of our operations. Unfortunately most readers miss the nuances and there is a natural tendency to conclude that we are admitting U.S. operations in Laos.
[Page 418]3. British Ambassador, in capacity as co-chairman’s representative, is becoming most sensitive to recent press stories, especially because Soviets are trying to get British to subscribe to condemnation of U.S. actions. Brits will stoutly deny they are taking place; but will be hard put to it if some official U.S. spokesman slips over the line and admits what we are doing here.
4. Therefore, I would urge once again that all responsible officials be cautioned to be wary of press probing on U.S. operations in Laos and that all consciences be collectively steeled against the continuing need to dissemble.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 27 LAOS. Secret; Priority; Limdis. Repeated to Saigon, London, Moscow, and CINCPAC.↩