790.5/12–754: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Thailand1
1456. Joint State/FOA message. Consideration being given desirability particularly from political standpoint strengthening relations Cambodia and Laos with Thailand. Objective would be give national governments Cambodia and Laos increased support of neighboring state with similar ethnic origins, social institutions and long history independence.
Believe this objective might be reached through aid projects specially chosen for purpose. Glad to note proposed FOA programs defense support include some of following type projects which should be designed attain objective stated: improvement trade channels and communications among the three states such as bridge over Mekong at Vientiane, improvement of railroad Phnom Penh–Bangkok, improvement of east-west lines of communication, irrigation Thailand Northeast provinces, etc. Department aware projects must be chosen in such manner not to give impression of split-up of Associated States, but believes careful selection of projects could straighten [strengthen] individual and joint stand of Associated States.
Without discussions with local government request your general reaction to above as well as list of projects that might be undertaken as contributing to above aim. Comment on desirability and feasibility from economic and technical standpoint also desired as well as your estimate whether services topflight U.S. engineering firms would be desirable at early date to develop details and firm figures such projects.
In light need avoid weakening useful links already established by past associations also desire suggestions aid projects to strengthen ties three countries with free Viet-Nam.
- Drafted by Tyson and Catlett of PSA. Also sent to Saigon as 2295, to Phnom Penh as 181, and to Vientiane as 133.↩