LAOS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80B01676R000400070013-9
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 15, 2016
• Document Release Date: September 4, 2003
• Sequence Number: 13
• Publication Date: February 15, 1964
• Content Type: MEMO

,~pro~~d Fol~ase 2003/10/02 :CIA-RDP80B016~6F~,000400070013-9
D~PAR,T~1~N~'~~'1"r~7'~;~~'.?...~C~,~~.~~i Sc3x`~lit~6 s~~~
ASSISTAI~TT SECRETARY ~ ~J ~a
SECRET FED ~ ~ ~
TO :' The Secretary
THROUGH : S/S ~~~~
FROM : FE -Roger Hilsman
SUBJECT : Laos
The Pathet Lao--unquestionably supported by North Viet-
y . __. _ .,.. .... ,,._,r_..
names. ~~'.~.~s -.have recentl made new advances In central Laos.
They have forced the neutralist and coriservative~forces off`theA
strategic Na Kay Plateau, which is an important link in the routes
'southward towards Viet-Nam, and moved to within 15 miles of the
Mekong River port of Thakhek. They can take Thakhek at will.
Although the Pathet Lao actions began as a response to
moves initiated by Phoumi, they have done well beyond the level of
activity that, hacl.~een tactly.acceptec~~,~as permissible under the`"
..... ~ _ z. A._
umbrella of the Geneva Accords. At the veryleast, these actions
are a probe ~`esgned to see how far the Geneva framework can be
warped in favor of further Communist encroachment. They have
been accompanied by a substantial increase in Viet Minh presence
and Communist capabilities in the Plaine des J'arres area as well,
If we fail to react, the Communists are likely to use this improved
military capability with increasing aggressiveness in ways which
must damage our position not only in Laos but i.n South Viet-Nam.
We should not view an increased level of Communist
activity in Laos as an isolated phenomenon. The Communist side
almost certainly views the situation in all of Southeast Asia as one
' of change and opportunity. From the Communist point of view the
Free World position is in disarray: Recurring coups in South
Viet-Nam and American admissions that the military situation
there is not good; continued speculation in the Western press about
State Department review completed neutralist
SECRET
Gft4tTP ~
Docr~,gxad~d at ~~ yes
~i~~OZ'VA~.S y !b0$
Approved For Releal~~~~~`3~/~~~ :~gi~c~>#~~01676R000400070013-9
 ._Appro~d Fa
hase 2003/1Q/02 : CIA~DP$0B0.~:6 67
R000400070013-9
. t
~
3
SECRET
neutralist sclutions for the area, which has received impetus from
General de Gaulle `s formulas for ending hostilities in the area; and
apparent US indecision on haw to respond to Prince Sihanouk's
efforts to obtain guarantees of Cambodian neutrality by threatening
to turn to Communist China. All of those who today seek to reduce
or eliminate the US position in Southeast Asia--the Communist
Chinese, the French, the North Vietnamese, the Cambodians--
appear to have one view in common: the United States is either
unable or unwilling to exert its vast power effectively to defend its
positions in Southeast Asia, And in this, the Communists may
see an opportunity for decisive action.
For all these reasons, we.. must, in my judgment, respond
,promptly and firmly. to ,Communist initiatives in central Laos. We
_ _ ... .. .:..... . ,.. w :~,wW._
should -consider encouraging further `T`hai reinforcements"'along
the Mekong backed up by visible preparations to introduce US ~
Marine landing battalions and air elements into Thailand.
T request that you authorize me to undertake an appropriate
interagency discussion for such a course of action on an urgent
contingency basis.
.~,..-.
Approve- ~;:~-...---
Disapprove_
Copy to M -Governor Harriman
FE:RHilsman:
FE:JWNeubert:hst
2-15- 64
SECRET
Approved-For Release 2003/10/02 :CIA-RDP80B01676R000400070013-9
 Approv,~d F~glgase 2003/10/02 : CIA~DP80B0 _ R0004000
TO ~IVlr. Forrestal
Mr. Colby
General Anthis
Mr., Solbert
DEPARTME\T OF STATE
ASSISTANT SECRETARY
SE CRE T
FROM : FE -Roger Hilsman
February 15, 1964.
SUBJECT Attached Memorandum on Laos
I would appreciate if you could attend a meeting in my
office Monday at 11:00 to consider the above subject.
SECRET
~ ~p~'r~ve or Release 2003/10/02 CIA-RDP80B01676R000400070013-9
~..
 Approved For Release 2003/10/02 :CIA-RDP80B01676R000400070013-9
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
ASSISTANT SECRETA
SECRET ATTACHMENT ~ ~
TO : Mr. McCone
FROM FE -Roger Hilsman
For your information.
SECRET ATTACHMENT
Approved For Release 2003/10/02 :CIA-RDP80B01676R000400070013-9