Project CHECO Southeast Asia Report. MAP Aid to Laos 1959 - 1972

摘要

This study traces, chronologically, the role of United States aid to Laos from these beginnings through the end of Fiscal Year 1972. The emphasis of the study is on American military aid to Laos 1959-1972. In view of the fact that the RLG has been battling for survival almost from its beginnings in 1954, the military focus of this study is hardly surprising. Beset at first by indigenous Pathet Lao foes, the RLG subsequently became involved in the ever- expanding war between North and South Vietnam when Laotian territory was used as a logistics pipeline for North Vietnamese Army (NVA) penetration of South Vietnam. The signatures on the 1962 Geneva Agreements guaranteeing Laotian neutrality were hardly dry when superpower jockeying to protect national interests set the stage for intervention and involvement in Laos. While the United States withdrew its personnel under the terms of the Agreement, North Vietnam increased the size of its already large troop contingent within Laos. In an effort to counter increasing Communist usurpation of what remained of Laotian neutrality, the United States expanded Military Assistance Program (MAP) aid to Laos in 1963. Logistically supported through the Bangkok-based Deputy Chief, Joint United States Military Advisory Group, Thailand (DEPCH/JUSMAGTHAI), MAP aid was both overt and covert. While this study concentrates primarily on the great 'success story' of MAP aid to Laos - that of the Royal Laotian Air Force (RLAF) - it does not wish to detract from the contributions made by the United States Army and the United States Navy. Both services have borne financial and advisory burdens along with the United States Air Force.