405. Telegram From the Embassy in Laos to the Department of State1
597. Addressees pass interested agencies. Reftels 315, 316, 322, 323, Embtel 595.2 Emboffs had 50-minute meeting Sept 23 morning with Boun Oum and Phoumi. USG presentation closely along lines reftels closing with statement U.S. would consider refusal go Luang Prabang or extreme solution such as separate state as “very grave step”. (Fromer translated from prepared text.)
Phoumi, who did most talking, said U.S. “badly misunderstood” Savannakhet position. No separatist, they respected and faithful to King but felt he should either (1) take decision, (2) assume head government himself, (3) appoint strong leader. Military solution unnecessary because FAL not divided. There was only political split, between Communists and non-Communists. Vientiane already Communist “up to the neck”. Pulling out marked maps, Phoumi indicated Souphanouvong home Vientiane claiming it as PL headquarters with Phoumi Vongvichit and Nouhak Phoumsavan present, and five BNs PL in areas contiguous Vientiane, including two Paksane. Quinim Pholsena now real power Vientiane. Even Kong Le in eclipse by Red takeover and Luang Prabang already partially subverted. Therefore, his reaction King’s invitation negative, for two reasons: (1) meeting would be useless, and (2) LP not safe. Ensuing discussion indicated he amenable Plaine des Jarres, Pakse, Seno Base or Nogkhai (Thailand). Phoumi said security Savannakhet group important since if trapped in LP or elsewhere, would mean end anti-Communist fight in Laos.
Boun Oum’s only contribution was to state he refused talk with Souvanna or Souphanouvong.
Also present Leuam, Thong and General Bounleut. Leuam said Souvanna government grew out of coup d’etat and force, therefore not legal.
Comment: While Phoumi insisted his position clear, Emboffs (and [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] PEO Pres also present) left meeting with feeling final negative decision on meeting may possibly not yet have been taken. Savannakhet group sought argue merits their case, but Emboffs stuck to repetition theme situation bad, U.S. Govt concerned, very important everyone join King in trying solve impasse, which only helping PL while FAL disintegrates and effectiveness U.S. [Page 863] aid increasingly questionable. (Phoumi asked text presentation which refused, but copy left U.S. representatives Savannakhet for additional talking purposes. Text by pouch.) Also noticeable increasing tendency Phoumi regard everyone who not with him as wholly Communist. Only Phoumi reaction Emboffs’ statement could not condone siege and sabotage Vientiane was to state he had warned civilians and foreign Embassies leave city.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/9–2360. Secret; Niact. Also sent to CINCPAC for POLAD and repeated to Bangkok, London, Paris, Phnom Penh, and Saigon. Received at 3:03 p.m.↩
- See footnote 8, Document 401; Document 398; Document 401; footnote 2, supra; and footnote 3, supra, respectively.↩