LAOS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79R00890A001300030014-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 15, 2016
• Document Release Date: September 17, 2002
• Sequence Number: 14
• Publication Date: December 8, 1960
• Content Type: BRIEF

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NSC BRIEFING
8 December 1960
1. New "coup"--Laotian-style--took place in Vientiane in early hours of
this morning.
A. Details just now arriving and information skimpy and contradictory,
but on surface would appear that takeover of Vientiane by Col.
Kouprasith, Fifth Military Region commander, falls considerably
short of General Phoumi's expectation of an anti-Souvanna Phouma
coup.
1. Kouprasith earlier had formed secret alliance with Phoumi and
the Savannakhet Revolutionary Committee for purpose of estab-
lishing what Phoumi and company thought would be rightist
government in Vientiane.
II. However, leaflets circulated by Kouprasith's troops after move began
emphasize neutralist aims and need to unite country.
A. Troops profess to be prepared to "devote our blood for the
preservation of neutrality led by Prince Souvanna Phouma."
. At same time, leaflets state determination to "suppress the Pathet
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Lao rebels and young people's organizations" (a reference to
leftist extremist groups who have intimidated government).
V. Souvanna has informed Ambassador Brown that troops now in charge of
Vientiane are loyal to him and equally ready to resist the Pathet Lao
or Phoumi.
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A. Souvanna urged that Phoumi be persuaded to stop his attacks to the
east of Vientiane and suggested that talks:-between his government
and Phoumi's group be held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
B. Souvanna said when "greater agreement" was reached, full dress
conference could be held in Luang Prabang to reorganize government.
V. Meanwhile, Phoumi's troops in the Ca Dinh area apparently are having
some success in their action against government forces.
A. His forces have apparently taken Pak Ca Dinh and one unconfirmed
report states they have occupied Pak Sane.
B. Kong Le's paratroopers, supported only by recruits and service
troops, have sustained significant reverses by Lao standards in
past week.
C. Pathet Lao, said to number about 500 in the genbral area of Ca
Dinh, have not as yet played appreciable role in fighting. May,
however, merely be lying low until.favorable opportunity presents
itself attack advancing Phoumi forces from rear.
Vl. Pro-Phoumi garrison in Luang Prabang reports Pathet patrols have
recently been probing outer defenses royal capital.
A. Some possibility probes might encourage Pathets to try to take
town, although it has been reenforced by Phoumi.
B. Souvanna government has been negotiating cease-fire in Phong Saly
area; if successful would free Pathets for movement down Nam Hou
River to join in attack on Luang Prabang.
C. Force Souvanna sent up to attack capital apparently still in Muong
Kassy area. About half the force apparently neutralized by de-
fection of its commander to Phoumi.
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