THE SITUATION IN LAOS

Created: 3/10/1955

OCR scan of the original document, errors are possible

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Memorandum to Prom ubject! The Situation In Laos

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BII1l'i5VfS IS)

The Laotian Prims Minister has stated that unlessproduce real results by the middle of March, he plans to clean the Pa'thet Lao out of Sam Neua and Phong Saly provinces. Our Army attache in Vientiane doubts the Laotian Army's capability to accomplish this teak.

The Britishhas noted an improvementreinTng^equipaent, and discipline of tbe Pathet Lao troops in ths Sam Neua-Phong Saly area. Their strength le now estimated atnfantry battalions and one support battalion. Though the British consider the fighting capabilities

of tbe Government to be negligible, they do not believe that Coeasunist military action in Laos is likely until the Vietnam election situation takes clearer shape.

U III SI MUIIMfTn

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cc: Mr. Sturm, Col. Dwan (l) Mr. Meloy Col. Evans Mr. Potter

Original document.

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