DETERIORATING SITUATION IN LAOS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: Library of Congress
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): LOC-HAK-289-3-11-6
• Release Decision: RIPLIM
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 6
• Document Creation Date: January 11, 2017
• Document Release Date: August 12, 2010
• Sequence Number: 11
• Publication Date: March 17, 1970
• Content Type: MEMO

No Objection to Declassification in Part 2013/03/19: LOC-HAK-289-3-11-6
INFO.RMAT ION
t.,V;T, 1976
DOS, NSS reviews
completed.
MEMORP,NDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM: Henry A. Kissinger
SUBJECT: DeterioratingSittion in Laos
CIA has sent a summary report on yang Pao's critical position in
the face of Communist pressure against his base area of ?Sam Thong/
Long Tien (Tab A).
The report makes these points:
-- Site 72, only 14 km. from Long Tieng, was expected to
fall on Tuesday. (It has subeequently fallen.) Meo refugees
are beginning to move out of the Long Tiling area.
-- Sam Thong (second most important Moo base) is expected 25X1
to fall, and all ',merican personnel have been evacuated.
-- yang Pao has asked for more Lao troops.
moving three guerrilla battalions up from South Laos. The
Laotian Commander-in-Chief has approved the dispatch of Lao
Army units, but it remains to be seen whether the regional
military commanders will agree.
. vitag pike,. plan is to establish a new rallying point south of
Long Tien*, and the three guerrilla units being moved in will
he used to establieh defensive positions in that area.
"A7CRET
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CRET
The CIA report raises two proposals which will require your approval:
-- Yang Pao has asked for B-52 strikes, since tactical air is being
red by unusual smoke and haze.
The interagency Ad Hoc Group on Laois was meeting as of luesday afternoon
to formulate recommendations on these proposals. So far, however, we
do not have specific proposals from the field as to what is required.
Ambassador Godley has informed State that the Seventh t, ir Force has
promised maairrairn air support to the next few days. He makes clear
that other guerrilla units will be moved toward Long Tieng as they disengage
from current operations, in addition to the three companies which will
move on Wednesday. This is, however, not likely to be enough to contain
the Communist advance, and Godley clearly expects the fall of Long Tieag.
He says that they are considering whether to support the removal of the Moo
refugees to a new homeland in Sayaboury Province, west of the Mekong.
He points out that at this stag. it is probably more important for the RLG to
insure the safe withdrawsl of this Meo so that they may regroup and avoid
a rout, rather than to allow them to be decimated fighting for possession of
their traditional territory,
A tts
.11-111:14G :pi-oh 3/17/70
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CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
'WASHINGTON, D.C. 20505
Dr. Henry A. Kissinger
, Assistant to the President' for
National Security Affairs
The Secretary of State:'
The Secretary of Defense
. The Chairmz.n. Joint Chiefs of Staff
? Situation in Sam Thong/Long Tieng Area
? in Laos (17 March 1937 hours Laos Time)
and Contingency Planning
1. The CIA Station Chief visited Long Tieng -on 17 March to
consult with General Vang Pao. They di; C1.1 he current military
situation, General Vang Paols deployment o troops in the 25X1
Sam Thong,'Long Tieng area and Yang PzLors pans for the defense
of Long Tic ng area.
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2. Vang Pao considers the situai ion critical. Key 1v1.l.
leaders began evacuating their families from Long Tieng on 17 March,
yang Pao expects the North Vietnamese z.roops to overrun the Tha
Tham Bleung (Site 72) area today. Site ''2 is 14 kilometers northeast
of Long Tieng. Other reports place two NVA companies at a point
four kilorn.eters from Sam Thong.
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6. General yang Pao asked for B-52 strikes. He stresped
that the heavy haze and smoke, which 'was ,the worst he could recall,
has prevented TACAIR from being effecti7e. The Station Chief agreed
' to discuss Vang Pao's request with Amba3sador Godley.
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8. Station Chief comments that if Long Tiengi is overrun,
Vang Pao plans to evacuate the area and establish a rallying point
south of Long Tieng. from other areas would be used
to help establish these new defensive positions.
/
Thomas I. Karamcssines
Deputy Director for-Plans
3
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No Objection to Declassification in Part 2013/03/19: LOC-HAK-289-3-11-6
IP
P UORITY
ACTION
March 17, 1970
MEMORANDUM FOR nR. KIM GER
John H. lioldridge
SUBJECT: Deteriorating Situation in Laos
believe that you will want to pass to this President the Clit rneuorandi
on Laos which was sent to you today.
RECO MMENDA TION*
That you sign the memorandum to the Preid.ent at Tab A.
A tt.
JIIII:prnh 3/17/70
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