375. Editorial Note
On August 20, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, Hayden Williams, sent Assistant Secretary of State Parsons a letter transmitting the views of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Laos. These views, as contained in a memorandum to the Secretary of Defense of August 19, read as follows: [Page 813]
“The Joint Chiefs of Staff are concerned about the present situation in Laos. If this situation continues or further deteriorates, it is our opinion that the government of Laos will be Communist oriented if not Communist dominated. Since the situation may take a turn for the worse within the next few days, we recommend that General Phoumi be informed immediately that the U.S. will render him necessary support in his efforts to regain control of the Laos Government. It is also recommended that assistance necessary, particularly airlift, be provided General Phoumi as quickly as practicable.”
Williams added in his covering letter: “We [ISA] are also uneasy about attempts to arrange a compromise between Souvanna Phouma and General Phoumi, having in mind the former’s past history and evidence that he is and may continue to be under the influence of Kong Le and other unfriendly elements.” (Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/8–2060; included in the microfiche supplement)
Admiral Arleigh Burke wrote Secretary of Defense James H. Douglas, Jr., on August 20 that it would be “wrong to try to influence Phoumi to accept a compromise with Souvanna Phouma.” Burke described Souvanna as a “weak sister” who was “prone to compromise with the Communists.” In Burke’s view, Phoumi was a friend of the United States who had demonstrated his anti-Communism and could retake Vientiane with little or no bloodshed. (Memorandum from Burke to Douglas, August 20; Washington National Records Center, RG 330, OSD Files: FRC 64 A 2093, Laos 091; included in the microfiche supplement)