Pathit Lao | IMG Archive

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1954-The name Pathet Lao originally used by the French in 1954 because the Laotians marked their documents'Pathet Lao! (Land of Lao) to distinguish themselves from the Vietnamese at the Geneva Confere nce of that time. The Laotians themselves began to use this name but -— The official name of the movement was Neo Lao Otsala - or liberation Front of Laos. That movement grew broader and was later named Neo Lao Haksat - or Patriotic Front. As time went on, Pathet Lao came to be the name for the military and Patriotic Front, the name for the liberation movement as a whole. 1957:- in November of that year, the Pathet Lao was demobilised by agreement and alliance between Souvanna Phouma the 'neutralist!' and Souphanouvong, the 'procomminist' leader of Pathet Lao. Of the 7,000 man Pathet Lao army, about 5,500 returned to their homes. And the remaining 1,500 were incorporated as two battalions in the official Royal Army. 1958:— But of course the liberation forces were doublecrossed. In 1958, the new allaince won the elections, but lost the premiership (when Souvanna Phouma was ousted by American cash) and the liberation forces were demoralised for a time. TO adel example of the Left bowing to the Centre and getting clobbered by the 1gGnte 1959-60:— The Pathet Lao atomised and dispersed, the political leaders of the Patriotic Front in jail. 1960-61:— Pathet Lao army reorganised under Souphanouvong after his sensational prison break. Kong Le (the neutralist supporter of Souvanna Phouma) joins forces with Souphanouvong. Thus was formed the Patriotic Alliance. This includes both the neutrals! and the 'pro communists! as the capitalist press calls them. Formed in about December 1960. The armed forces of the Patriotic .lliance, including Kong Le's troops which are in the minority, are still usually referred to as the Pathet Lao. 1961:— Decisive military victory at Plain of Jars, series of other victories followed, Liberation forces clearly winning the whole country..c.ccceces This process continued throughtout 61 and through 62. ‘Thus was set the scene for U.S. intervention to save what they could by imposing Souvanna Phouma.