Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Soviet Union

Washington, April 23, 1963, 3:24 p.m.

Eyes only Ambassador and Harriman. Following is text of message for Harriman to deliver to Khrushchev: "Dear Mr. Chairman: I have become most concerned over recent developments in Laos. As you know, I have always regarded our mutual commitment in Vienna to bring peace to that unhappy country as an important milestone in Soviet/American relations. If we could work successfully together to make Laos neutral, we could, I have thought, make progress in resolving other matters which are at issue between us. It is because of this concern that I have asked Governor Harriman to make a special trip to confer with you as my representative on this particular aspect of our relations. You and your colleagues have known him well and I put great hope in the results of his discussions with you. I will be awaiting Governor Harriman's report with keen interest. Sincerely" Rusk.