192. Editorial Note
On October 1, the Commander in Chief, Pacific, Admiral Harry D. Felt, visited Vientiane for consultations with Phoumi Nosavan and Prince Boun Oum. Ambassador Averell Harriman had warned from Geneva that Felt’s visit might send the wrong signal to Phoumi and undermine ongoing U.S. efforts to convince Phoumi to negotiate in good faith with Souvanna Phouma. He strongly urged reconsideration of the visit. (Confes 667 and 673 from Geneva, September 28 and 29; Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/9–2861 and 751J.00/9–2961) After consultation with Rusk, who was at the United Nations, the Department of State informed Harriman that Felt should visit Vientiane in accordance with his longstanding schedule commitment. Since there were [Page 438] Military Assistance Advisory Group personnel in Laos, Felt, as Commander in Chief, Pacific, had to be able to make periodic visits. The Department thought that Felt could use his influence to encourage Phoumi to negotiate a settlement with Souvanna. (Fecon 461 to Geneva, September 28; ibid., 751J.00/9–2861)
During their conference, Phoumi gave Felt an optimistic military briefing claiming that while the enemy was still capable of threatening Vientiane and Paksane, Royal Lao Government forces were in a favorable position to take the offensive. Phoumi outlined a three-staged plan: 1) retraining and mopping-up in areas his forces already controlled; 2) reinforcement of Royal Lao Army forces in enemy-controlled territory along with guerrilla activity; and 3) re-occupation of enemy territory. Ambassador Brown, who was also present during the consultations, warned Phoumi against going on the offensive during the cease-fire. Phoumi replied that since the Pathet Lao did not respect the cease-fire in Sam Neua and Xieng Khouang, he felt no obligation to respect their positions in Attopeu Province.
Felt urged Phoumi to continue negotiations for the time being, since the additional time allowed for improvement in the effectiveness of the Royal Lao Armed Forces. After the discussions, Phoumi confided to Felt that he had no confidence in Souvanna whom he considered a tool of the Communists. (CINCPAC telegram 04254 to JCS, October 10; National Archives and Records Administration, RG 218, JCS Records)