The Secret War in Laos
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Transcript of The Secret War in Laos
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The Secret War in Laos
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What is the Secret War?
A 10-year, U.S. involved ground and air campaign targeting communist cells in Laos with the help
of the mountain people.
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History of Southeast Asia
• 1954 – Collapse of French control in Indochina
• Independent nations emerge– Advisors sent from U.S.
• 1961 – U.S. enters War in Vietnam
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What’s happening in Laos?
• 1954 – Geneva Accord– Laos is independent– No foreign troops or bases allowed
• A Divided Nation– Pathet Lao – communist will support N. Vietnam– Royal Lao Government (U.S. endorsed)
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Why the Secret War in Laos?
• Ho Chi Minh Trail– Stop supplies– 1961 – President Kennedy
orders CIA to recruit a secret army.
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Who are the recruitments?
• The Hmong, including children– Reputation as great fighters
• Led by General Vang Pao
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Why would the Hmong help?
• Fear of life under communism
• Possible self-rule • Promise from U.S. - the
Hmong would be protected if Vietnam was lost.
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How did the Hmong help?Gather intelligence
Rescue downed pilotsFight a Guerilla warfare
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The Failure• April 1975 – Fall of Saigon• Airlift U.S. officials and General Vang Pao and
2500 top Hmong
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Consequences….
• 10% of Hmong population in Laos is killed• The Hmong that supported the U.S. will be
hunted by the Pathet Lao• Will make refuge in the jungle of Laos or Thailand
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Those that Flee
Major obstacle - The Mekong River
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New Journey
• Refuge camps in Thailand• Migration – U.S., France, Canada
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Legacies of Secret War
• Historic bombing of a nation• U.S. cluster bombs still active in Laos• Oppression of the Hmong continue in Laos
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