314. Telegram From the Embassy in Thailand to the Department of State0
1460. Eyes Only President and Acting Secretary.
Harriman, accompanied by Ambassador Young and Sullivan, called on Prime Minister and Foreign Minister this morning to discuss [Page 664] means designed induce Phoumi cooperate with U.S. and Thailand in serious negotiations for formation coalition government in Laos. In this conversation Sarit showed complete acceptance of U.S. objectives. General Wallop leaving this afternoon for Vientiane. He will propose that Phoumi come Nong Khai Saturday morning, meet with Sarit and Harriman, then take Harriman back Vientiane for audience with King and subsequently for discussions with Phoumi and his entire Cabinet.
As fall back Wallop is authorized propose that Harriman go initially Vientiane for audience with King, pick up Phoumi for return trip across river to Nong Kha and tripartite meeting there with Sarit. Following this session Harriman would again return Vientiane for discussions with Phoumi and Cabinet. In any event it has been stressed to Sarit that U.S. feels it most important Sarit and Harriman meet jointly with Phoumi in order avoid “double-faced” tactics which Phoumi has pursued in past.
Sarit exhibited full measure cooperation throughout interview and heartily endorsed procedures described above. He expressed concern that Phoumi felt acceptance of subordinate position in a coalition government would be capitulation.
Sarit said he himself did not understand the complications of Phoumi’s flat refusal accept invitation to come Bangkok extended him by Wallop in Savannakhet Tuesday. He is doubtful that Phoumi will agree to meet with Harriman and himself together. However, he agreed fully on tactics and objectives if meeting can be arranged.
Wallop will report results his mission tomorrow morning.1
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/3–2262. Secret; Priority.↩
- In telegram 1462 from Bangkok, March 23, Harriman informed the President and Ball that Wallop had a brief, friendly talk with Phoumi who agreed to meet Harriman and Sarit at Nong Khai, Thailand, on the morning of March 24. Phoumi would then take Harriman to Vientiane to meet the King and the RLG Cabinet. After the meeting, Phoumi talked to Hasey and informed him that Harriman must understand in advance that he was unwilling to give up Defense or Interior. Harriman observed that the prospects for the meeting were not bright and asked to be allowed to bring specific pressure on Phoumi and to begin to develop alternatives to him. (Ibid., 751J.00/3–2362)↩