LAOS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79R00890A000900020016-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 27, 2008
• Sequence Number: 16
• Publication Date: October 1, 1957
• Content Type: BRIEF

Approved For Release 2008/06/27: CIA-RDP79R00890A000900020016-9
NSC BRIEFING
25 YEAR
RE-REVIEW
1 October 1957
I. A new phase of the 21 year old negotiations between the Pathet Lao
(PL) and Laotian government opened in Vientiane on 16 September.
Despite a deadline of 9 October imposed by Laotian government there
is little indication that Pathets are ready to make significant
concessions.
A. PL tactics in negotiations largely dilatory, dealing in
generalities and demanding additional guarantees.
B. PL Chief Souphannonuong
in 11 September speech he took line that extension of
government control over PL provinces and integration of Pathet
troops to be simultaneous with formation of coalition government
,Xather than
prior step to coalition as government insists.
II. Ascendency of conservatives in royal government serves to check
Premier Souvanna Phouma)s'_ willingness to enter relatively
aug unguarded settlement with PL.
A. Foreign Minister Phoui and Interior Minister Katay, (both pro-
West) dominant figures in Souvanna govt., both favor "hard
line 'on PL settlement.
B. They responsible for choice of low-level delegation to
negotiate with PL.
C. Souvanna's "free wheeling" in talks with brother Souphannonuong
N-So checked by requirement he make no commitment without cabinet
approval.
III. Lao cabinet to be expanded in early October with prospect that
Katay and Phou.i will be even more firmly in saddle.
Approved For Release 2008/06/27: CIA-RDP79R00890A000900020016-9
 Approved For Release 2008/06/27: CIA-RDP79R00890A000900020016-9
IV. PL. likely to maintain pose of reasonableness to keep talks going
and avoid resumption of hostilities hoping to build popular
pressure for settlement on PL terms.
V. Royal government will probably not break off talks after 9 October
deadline.
A. Popular pressure for settlement too great.
B. One possibility is that gov't may re-consider Katay plan to
trick PL into bogus settlement, get rid of ICC and treat PL
as internal problem.
Approved For Release 2008/06/27: CIA-RDP79R00890A000900020016-9
 Approved For Release 2008/06/27: CIA-RDP79R0089OA000900020016-9
Approved For Release 2008/06/27: CIA-RDP79R0089OA000900020016-9