Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXVIII, Laos

379. Telegram From the Embassy in Laos to the Department of State¹

Vientiane, September 25, 1968, 1044Z.

9296. Subj: Vang Pao visit. Ref: State 242995.² For Dep Asst Sec’y Godley.

1. I believe your plans for Vang Pao are excellent and am sure results of this visit will be mutually beneficial as was case of Phasouk visit.

2. In general, these visits have considerable positive political after effects which may be difficult to measure at any given moment but which have a cumulative effect. This is true for “fat” as well as “thin” generals.

3. For example, we think that Kouprasith’s visit to the US in August 1966 was to some degree responsible for the “statesmanlike” image he has assiduously projected in recent years replete with effusive protestations of support for Souvanna. Appearances aside, however, there is no doubt that Kouprasith is keeping his ambitions in check. We believe, therefore, that his visit to the US served to reinforce this mission’s efforts to maintain political stability and strengthen Souvanna’s position, the bedrock of US policy in Laos.

4. To return to the “thins,” we have dramatic short-term results from Phasouk’s visit: During Souvanna’s recently concluded meetings with the generals and colonels, Phasouk reportedly played a leading role in supporting Souvanna. He vigorously waded in on the corruption issue in plenary sessions; also, Phasouk made it clear that he supported Souvanna politically and in “brutally frank” terms warned his military colleagues against any thoughts of overthrowing the civil authorities.

5. Van Pao supported Phasouk whose outspoken position obviously reflected to a considerable degree the influence of his recent experiences in Washington. A follow-up with Van Pao at this time is eminently in our mutual interests.

Sullivan

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 7 LAOS–US. Secret.
2. In telegram 242995 to Vientiane, September 23, the Department welcomed the private visit of Vang Pao and planned to coordinate with DOD and CIA his meetings with key officials. The visit and awarding of decorations to the two most prominent “thin” generals Vang Pao and Phasouk, according to the Department, would not go unnoticed in Laos, especially among the “fat” generals. The Department asked for an appraisal of the Vang Pao visit on Lao politics. (Ibid.)