Rules of Engagement

Laos

5 Mar 1964

Project CHECO

 

 

On 5 March 1964, the Chief of Staff, USAF, directed TAC to deploy four T-28's and necessary personnel to Udorn for a period of six months, on TDY basis. Prior to their arrival, Ambassador Unger had  recommended that the restraints imposed by the U.S. on the use of aircraft and bombs by the RLAP be relaxed and greater discretionary authority given. He

proposed their use for reprisal against aggressive actions and for inter- diction of build-ups for attack. The JCS supported Ambassador Unger's proposals and recommended even stronger action. They recommended that:

 

1.  Missions assigned should be offensive as well as defensive.

 

2.   Restrictions on the use of napalm should be removed.

3.   First priority on interdiction missions should be inbound convoys.

4.   Considerations should be given to use of U.S. and third country forces to provide air support in Laos.

5.   U.S. aerial reconnaissance could contribute much in view of the limited capability of the RLAP.

6.    The SAW detachment being deployed to SEA could provide substantial assistance in training and advice to the RLAP.

These views were forwarded to the State Department. On 20 March, the State Department advised Ambassador Unger that a limited number of bomb fuses could be released to the RLAF, since the proposed use of bombs could be considered in support of "responsive counter-attacks to regain ground lost to the Pathet Lao and as reprisal in response to Pathet Lao attack." This was the first time the RLAF had been permitted to maintain

custody of any bomb fuses.