411. Memorandum for the Record by the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs (Merchant)1
I briefly described to the Secretary the discussion of Laos with the Joint Chiefs and Torn Gates this morning.2 I told him that it was the general consensus, which I share, that we were approaching the need to make a decision to give all-out material and financial support to Phoumi and those who would stand with him to try to hold the southern half of Laos. I pointed out this meant the abandonment of our policy hitherto and would greatly heighten the risk of communist intervention in the north from outside forces.
[Page 869]I informed the Secretary that there had been general agreement that Ambassador Brown should make one further approach to the King in an effort to persuade him personally to take over the leadership of the Kingdom and rally to him all non- and anti-communist forces. The Secretary indicated his approval.
Finally, I told the Secretary that we were giving some thought to a suggestion considered at the meeting with the Joint Chiefs to sending out John Steeves or some other high-ranking emissary together with a representative of the Joint Chiefs to survey the situation on the ground with the Ambassador. These emissaries would be given considerable advance authority to commit or withhold U.S. support as seemed necessary. The Secretary indicated some doubts concerning this move, and we should not set it in train without consulting further with him.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/9–3060. Secret.↩
- A more detailed account of this meeting, which began at 11 a.m., is in Department of State, State–JCS Meetings: Lot 70 D 328; it is included in the microfiche supplement.↩