March 25, 1961
Cable from He Wei, 'Comrade Nguyễn Chí Thanh Talked about the Situation in Laos with Me and the Soviet Ambassador'
This document was made possible with support from MacArthur Foundation
From DRV Station
Expedient emergency
C 1113
Comrade Nguyễn Chí Thanh Talked about Situation in Laos with Me and the Soviet Ambassador
Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
In the morning, Comrade Nguyễn Chí Thanh had a meeting with me and the Soviet ambassador at the Foreign Ministry to talk about situation in Laos.
"The war in Laos develops quite well. After we conquered Sala Phou Khoun, we also liberated central Laos thus threatened Savannakhet, and demoralized the enemy. It shocked those in power in Luang Prabang and Vientiane. The US and Phoumi claimed that if they did not strengthen the military, they would not be able to handle the situation. We are facing some difficulties in military, while still possessing many advantages, which allow us to wage attack, strengthen and enlarge our victories, and conduct guerilla war. Yet at the moment we won’t attack Luang Prabang or Vientiane because on one hand there were difficulties and on the other the effect is too great.”
“The military and political issues in Laos are complex. The United States attaches great importance to Laos and is determined to limit the development of revolution in Laos. This stance has remained unchanged. However, due to our successive victories, the US has raised some new issues such as the International Committee. Some other Western countries are also considering about a political solution. Consider this, in order to not only consolidate and expand our victories, but also to limit the scope of the war in Laos, we are thinking about launching a political campaign at the same time of military offensives. We would like to hear from China and the Soviet Union.” “Southeast Asian countries held discussion over the Lao issue recently. The United States also had contacts with Britain, Russia, and France. If China and the Soviet Union know anything about the situation, especially on American policy to Laos, please inform us.”
He Wei
25 March [1961]
He Wei reports on Nguyễn Chí Thanh's remarks that "the war in Laos develops quite well."
Author(s):
Associated Places
Associated Topics
Subjects Discussed
- Soviet Union--Foreign relations--Vietnam (Democratic Republic)
- Laos--Foreign relations--Soviet Union
- China--Foreign relations--Laos
- Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Laos
- Laos--History--20th century
- Laos--Foreign relations--United States
- Laos--Politics and government
- Laos--Foreign relations--Vietnam (Democratic Republic)
- France--Foreign relations--Vietnam (Democratic Republic)
Document Information
Source
Original Archive
Rights
The History and Public Policy Program welcomes reuse of Digital Archive materials for research and educational purposes. Some documents may be subject to copyright, which is retained by the rights holders in accordance with US and international copyright laws. When possible, rights holders have been contacted for permission to reproduce their materials.
To enquire about this document's rights status or request permission for commercial use, please contact the History and Public Policy Program at HAPP@wilsoncenter.org.