So Much to Lose: John F. Kennedy and American Policy in Laos

Appendix 1

appendix 1 decLaration on the neutraLity oF LaoS. SiGned at GeneVa, on 23 JuLy 1962 The Governments of the union of Burma, the Kingdom of cambodia, canada, the People’s republic of china, the democratic republic of Viet-nam, the republic of France, the republic of india, the Polish People ’s republic, the republic of Viet-nam, the Kingdom of Thailand, the union of Soviet Socialist republics, the united Kingdom of Great Britain and northern ireland and the united States of america, whose representatives took part in the international conference on the Settlement of the Laotian Question, 1961–1962; Welcoming the presentation of the statement of neutrality by the royal Government of Laos of July 9, 1962, and taking note of this statement , which is, with the concurrence of the royal Government of Laos, incorporated in the present declaration as an integral part thereof, and the text of which is as follows: The royal Government of Laos, Being resolved to follow the path of peace and neutrality in conformity with the interests and aspirations of the Laotian people , as well as the principles of the Joint communiqué of Zurich dated June 22, 1961, and of the Geneva agreements of 1954, in order to build a peaceful, neutral, independent, democratic, unified and prosperous Laos, 254 appendix 1 Solemnly declares that: (1) it will resolutely apply the five principles of peaceful coexistence in foreign relations, and will develop friendly relations and establish diplomatic relations with all countries, the neighbouring countries first and foremost, on the basis of equality and of respect for the independence and sovereignty of Laos; (2) it is the will of the Laotian people to protect and ensure respect for the sovereignty, independence, neutrality, unity, and territorial integrity of Laos; (3) it will not resort to the use or threat of force in any way which might impair the peace of other countries, and will not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries; (4) it will not enter into any military alliance or into any agreement , whether military or otherwise, which is inconsistent with the neutrality of the Kingdom of Laos; it will not allow the establishment of any foreign military base on Laotian territory, nor allow any country to use Laotian territory for military purposes or for the purposes of interference in the internal affairs of other countries, nor recognise the protection of any alliance or military coalition, including Seato; (5) it will not allow any foreign interference in the internal affairs of the Kingdom of Laos in any form whatsoever; (6) Subject to the provisions of article 5 of the Protocol, it will require the withdrawal from Laos of all foreign troops and military personnel, and will not allow any foreign troops or military personnel to be introduced into Laos; (7) it will accept direct and unconditional aid from all countries that wish to help the Kingdom of Laos build up an independent and autonomous national economy on the basis of respect for the sovereignty of Laos; (8) it will respect the treaties and agreements signed in conformity with the interests of the Laotian people and of the policy of peace and neutrality of the Kingdom, in particular the Geneva agreements of 1962, and will abrogate all treaties and agreements which are contrary to those principles. This statement of neutrality by the royal Government of Laos shall be promulgated constitutionally and shall have the force of law. declaration on the neutrality of Laos 255 The Kingdom of Laos appeals to all the States participating in the international conference on the Settlement of the Laotian Question, and to all other States, to recognise the sovereignty, independence, neutrality, unity and territorial integrity of Laos, to conform to these principles in all respects, and to refrain from any action inconsistent therewith. confirming the principles of respect for the sovereignty, independence , unity and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Laos and noninterference in its internal affairs which are embodied in the Geneva agreements of 1954; emphasising the principle of respect for the neutrality of the Kingdom of Laos; agreeing that the above-mentioned principles constitute a basis for the peaceful settlement of the Laotian question; Profoundly convinced that the independence and neutrality of the Kingdom of Laos will assist the peaceful democratic development of the Kingdom of Laos and the achievement of national accord and unity in that country, as well as the strengthening of peace and security...