Word: souvanna
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...commanded by plucky little General Kong Le. Once again, it seemed like the end of what ever remained of Laotian neutrality, supposedly guaranteed by the Geneva agreement, which in 1962 had been solemnly signed by 14 nations, including Soviet Russia. And, once again, the Laotian government of neutralist Prince Souvanna Phouma seemed on the verge of toppling...
...affects an ivory-handled pistol to go with his favorite blue dress uniform. Although Siho is generally regarded as a henchman of rightist, anti-Communist boss, General Phoumi Nosavan, both coup leaders claimed to have acted without involving Phoumi, who, as Deputy Premier and Defense Minister in Prince Souvanna's government, could not very well be leading a coup d'état. Said Phoumi after the coup: "I am in rather large difficulties." So was everybody else...
...coup. Some people, notably neighboring Thailand's strongly anti-Communist government, were delighted by the prospect of a right-wing regime in Laos; but the U.S. argues that such a government simply could not maintain itself in power. The Reds, who were at least theoretically members of Souvanna's coalition, would go back on the warpath. And since the Pathet Lao already control nearly two-thirds of the country, further fighting might only lead to total Communist control...
Western and Russian envoys in odd alliance bullied and cajoled, but the coup leaders insisted on a new government more to their liking. Finally, the combined persuasion of the U.S., Russia, Great Britain, Canada, France, India and Australia paid off. Kouprasith announced that the junta would permit Souvanna to remain in office and that the coalition government would continue-though slightly enlarged and altered to meet the rightist demands for "greater stability." He did not explain just what alterations he had in mind. That decision having been reached, Kouprasith gulped a sleeping pill, and Siho went off to the Green...
...Souvanna was persuaded to accept the terms. Still to be heard from, however, was Souvanna's halfbrother, Prince Souphanouvong, leader of the Pathet Lao. One of his spokesmen accused the junta of "sabotage" and indicated that the Pathet Lao was ready to make plenty of trouble. Souphanouvong could still refuse to stay in the modified government. If so, the demon under the Thai Dam temple may yet come forth...