Iblili
2
MEETING WITH THE PRESIDENT; alio present Messrs. BallLaotianGov. Harriman It Mr. Mike Forrei
The aaaantlal developments ofating were:
ia obvious that Phouml's failureilitary leader
la ba causa of his refusal to take our military advice and hla obetinaacy poiitic-ilyrevented the formationational union govarnmsnt.
President recognised wa must take actions toserious latent of Insistingeutral Laos but ths actionsbe taken tnanner aa to be interpreted as support of Phoumi.
the contrary wa ma at emphasise that Phoumi 'a act ionprecipitated the present situation lahat lt Is evidentRLOrend that the burden of securing Laofall on U. S. and Thais with only token aid from Australiaa.
plan ofeterrent withoutof Phoumi very difficult.
agreed to start naval task fores of twomarine battalion and support ships Into Gulf of Slam. Thisaa neceaaary for defease Thailand,
S. battle group to be alerted and possibly movedposition In Thailand to airfield near Bangkok but notborder ponding further developments and the advice
IJIftfJ. Jr
Lemnltaar and McNamara.
poaalbla steps to undermine Phoumi should behla political influence and prestige weakened and
urged to return to Laos atrench toto help.
1. Brown and Young to be advised by cable.
J. British to be advised of proposed flaet action and reason
therefor.
k. Anxious that the story ba told in Southeast Asia that situation that Souvanna now faces was anticipated by U. S. andesult of Phoumi obattnancy.
JAM/
Orig hand-carried lo Mr. Fenimore who working at FE Div. /State.
E ill""
Original document.
Comment about this article, ask questions, or add new information about this topic: