751G.00/12–354: Telegram
The Minister in Laos (Yost) to the Department of State
158. Repeated information Saigon 227, Phnom Penh unnumbered. Reference Legtel 147, repeated Saigon 217.1 Foreign Minister2 informs me plans for negotiations with Pathet-Lao somewhat altered. Pathet delegation headed by Prince Suphanuvong, Singkapo, and Khaisone will be invited next week to confer with Katay himself in Vientiane. It is felt Pathets may be less under Viet influence here than [Page 2337] in Samneua or Khonkay. Phoui, however, doubts Pathets, particularly Suphanuvong, will accept invitation and expects them drag feet until after elections, unless offered place Lao Government. He invited attention to statement by Suphanuvong over Viet radio November 20 to effect that it had been agreed at Geneva Pathets would withdraw from large areas Laos they had occupied and regroup in two northern provinces “on condition that the political question would be resolved through general elections organized in local collaboration between Royal Government and all Pathet Lao forces, that a coalition government be created and national unification realized in conformity with armistice agreements and despite all difficulties and obstacles”.
Phoui stated Pathets had proposed coalition government in Geneva, that pressure had been exerted on Souvanna Phouma by French to accept but that he, Phoui, had successfully resisted. He continues to be strongly opposed but confirmed my apprehension Prime Minister is not firm on this point and might wish accept Pathet participation in government if this were only means reaching agreement. Katay and several other colleagues, Phoui said, continue believe Pathet leaders not really Communists.
I cited usual historical evidence to show illusory character this belief and pointed out it is not shared by Crown Prince. I also said very earnestly I was sure my government would feel obliged to reconsider entire question aid to Laos if Communists should participate in Lao Government. I urged that, if Pathets made impossible demands, refused to negotiate, or insisted on retaining control northern provinces, Lao Government appeal to Geneva signatories and perhaps UN, with view to convicting Communists before world opinion of gross violation Geneva accords.
Phoui expressed full agreement these views. He said entire Cabinet flying Luang Prabang tomorrow to meet under chairmanship Crown Prince and review situation. He would present our views to Savang and to his colleagues and would assure me no decisions would be taken without consultation with US.
I shall raise this matter again with Katay next week.