Air America during Viet Nam

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974UDORN00023_b.html

US Department of State Systematic
EO Systematic Review
30 JUN 2005

Review Media Identifier: n/a
Review Referrals: n/a
Review Release Date: n/a
Review Release Event: n/a
Review Transfer Date: n/a
Review Withdrawn Fields: n/a
Secure: OPEN
Status: NATIVE
Subject: AIR AMERICA STRIKE SETTLED
TAGS: PFOR, TH, US, AIR AMERICA
To: BANGKOK
Type: TE
Markings: Declassified/Released US Department of State EO
Review 30 JUN 2005

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http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974BANGKO02423_b.html

Canonical ID: 1974BANGKO02423_b
Subject: AIR AMERICA
From: Thailand Bangkok
To: DOD OSD(ISA), Department of State, Laos Vientiane,

Secretary of State, Taiwan Taipei City
Original Classification: CONFIDENTIAL
Current Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Previous Handling Restrictions: -- N/A or Blank --
Archive Status: Electronic Telegrams
Type: TE
Locator: TEXT ONLINE
Reference(s): n/a
Executive Order (E.O.): GS
Markings: Declassified/Released US Department of State EO

Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005
Enclosure: -- N/A or Blank --
Concepts: AIRLINES, ARMS SMUGGLING, CONTRACTS, DRUG TRAFFIC,

LABOR STRIKES, STUDENT GROUPS
TAGS: Cambodia [CB]
Laos [LA]
Military and Defense Affairs--Military and Defense Arrangements [MARR]
Political Affairs--Internal Security [PINS]
Social Affairs--Narcotics [SNAR]
Thailand [TH]
Office: -- N/A or Blank --
Document Character Count: 2456
Date: 1974 February 13, 08:00 (Wednesday)

CONFIDENTIAL

PAGE 01 BANGKO 02423 130859Z

50
ACTION EA-14

INFO OCT-01 ISO-00 IO-14 CIAE-00 PM-07 H-03 INR-10 L-03

NSAE-00 NSC-10 PA-04 RSC-01 PRS-01 SPC-03 SS-20

USIA-15 SAM-01 AID-20 DRC-01 OMB-01 CU-04 SNM-02

DEAE-00 EB-11 SSO-00 /146 W
--------------------- 012739
R 130800Z FEB 74
FM AMEMBASSY BANGKOK
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 579
INFO DOD OSD(ISA) WASHDC
AMEMBASSY TAIPEI
AMEMBASSY VIENTIANE

C O N F I D E N T I A L BANGKOK 2423
E.O. 11652: GDS
TAGS: MARR, TH, LA, CB
SUBJECT: AIR AMERICA

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974BANGKO02423_b.html

1. AIR AMERICA CONTINUES TO SURFACE AS SUBJECT OF CRITICISM
OF AMERICAN PRESENCE IN THAILAND. REPUTATION AS A "CIA TOOL"
HAS RESULTED IN PUBLIC LINKING OF AIR AMERICA TO RECENT CIA
LETTER INCIDENT. IN UDORN, JANUARY STRIKE OF AIR AMERICA
WORKERS, ALTHOUGH SETTLED SATISFACTORILY, ATTRACTED COMMUNITY
ATTENTION TO ALLEGATIONS OF IRREGULARITY IN AIR AMERICA
OPERATIONS.

2. STUDENT GROUPS HAVE BEEN PURSUING THEIR OWN INVESTIGATIONS
OF AIR AMERICA. ACCORDING TO RTG SUPREME COMMAND SOURCES,
STUDENTS HAVE EXPRESSED DOUBT THAT RTG EXERCISES EFFECTIVE
CONTROL OVER AIR AMERICA. THEY ALLEGE THAT CIA IS USING AIR
AMERICA TO SMUGGLE ARMS AND NARCOTICS INTO THAILAND, WITH IN-
TENTION OF SUBVERTING RTG. THEY ALSO CLAIM THAT AIR AMERICA
HAS RESISTED EFFORTS BY THAI CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION TO
EXERCISE NORMAL CONTROLS AT PORTS OF ENTRY. PRESS HAS ALSO
PUBLICIZED CLAIM FROM DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL AVIATION THAT
AIR AMERICA OPERATIONS WERE NEVER PROPERLY AUTHORIZED BY
CONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENTIAL

PAGE 02 BANGKO 02423 130859Z

RTG.

3. GENERAL KRIANGSAK OF SUPREME COMMAND HAS STRESSED RTG
CONCERN THAT CRITICISM WILL GET OUT OF CONTROL UNLESS
SATISFACTORY REPLIES CAN BE GIVEN TO PRESS, PUBLIC AND STUDENT
CRITICS. WE HAVE PROVIDED UNCLASSIFIED BACKGROUND BRIEFING
PAPER AND OFFERED TO PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION AS REQUIRED;
TO DATE PRESSURE ON RTG BANGKOK AGENCIES HAS FORTUNATELY
NOT ESCALATED, AND ISSUE HAS NOT YET BEEN TAKEN UP IN
PARLIAMENT.

4. LAST MONTH, FORSEEING INCREASING INTEREST IN AIR AMERICA
AS PRESSURE POINT AGAINST UNITED STATES ACTIVITIES IN
SOUTHEAST ASIA, AMBASSADOR ESTABLISHED INTER-AGENCY TASK
FORCE, WHICH IS WORKING CLOSELY WITH VIENTIANE TO DEVELOP
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CONTINUING ESSENTIAL CONTRACTOR SERVICES,
NOW PROVIDED BY AIR AMERICA FROM BASES IN THAILAND, BEYOND
FY 74. WE EXPECT TO FORWARD COORDINATED RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
WASHINGTON CONSIDERATION WHORTLY.
KINTNER

CONFIDENTIAL

NNN

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974BANGKO02423_b.html

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974BANGKO02423_b.html

Capture Date: 01 JAN 1994 STUDENT
Channel Indicators: n/a APPROVED <02
Current Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Concepts: DRUG TRAFFIC, AIRLINES, CONTRACTS, LABOR STRIKES,
GROUPS, ARMS SMUGGLING
Control Number: n/a
Copy: SINGLE
Draft Date: 13 FEB 1974
Decaption Date: 01 JAN 1960
Decaption Note: n/a
Disposition Action: RELEASED
Disposition Approved on Date: n/a
Disposition Authority: golinofr
Disposition Case Number: n/a
Disposition Comment: 25 YEAR REVIEW
Disposition Date: 28 MAY 2004
Disposition Event: n/a
Disposition History: n/a
Disposition Reason: n/a
Disposition Remarks: n/a
Document Number: 1974BANGKO02423
Document Source: CORE
Document Unique ID: 00
Drafter: n/a
Enclosure: n/a
Executive Order: GS
Errors: N/A
Film Number: n/a
From: BANGKOK
Handling Restrictions: n/a
Image Path: n/a
ISecure: 1
Legacy Key: link1974/newtext/t19740237/aaaabija.tel
Line Count: 80
Locator: TEXT ON-LINE
Office: ACTION EA
Original Classification: CONFIDENTIAL
Original Handling Restrictions: n/a
Original Previous Classification: n/a
Original Previous Handling Restrictions: n/a
Page Count: 2
Previous Channel Indicators: n/a
Previous Classification: CONFIDENTIAL
Previous Handling Restrictions: n/a
Reference: n/a
Review Action: RELEASED, APPROVED
Review Authority: golinofr
Review Comment: n/a
Review Content Flags: n/a
Review Date: 10 JUN 2002
Review Event: n/a
Review Exemptions: n/a
Review History: RELEASED <10 JUN 2002 by elbezefj>;
JAN 2003 by golinofr>
Review Markings: n/a

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974BANGKO02423_b.html

US Department of State Systematic
EO Systematic Review
30 JUN 2005

Review Media Identifier: n/a
Review Referrals: n/a
Review Release Date: n/a
Review Release Event: n/a
Review Transfer Date: n/a
Review Withdrawn Fields: n/a
Secure: OPEN
Status: NATIVE
Subject: AIR AMERICA
TAGS: MARR, PINS, SNAR, TH, LA, CB, AIR AMERICA
To: STATE
Type: TE
Markings: Declassified/Released US Department of State EO
Review 30 JUN 2005

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http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974BANGKO02851_b.html

Canonical ID: 1974BANGKO02851_b
Subject: AIR AMERICA
From: Thailand Bangkok
To: Department of Defense, Department of State, Laos Vientiane,

Secretary of State, Taiwan Taipei City, Thailand Udon Thani
Original Classification: SECRET
Current Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Previous Handling Restrictions: LIMDIS
Archive Status: Electronic Telegrams
Type: TE
Locator: TEXT ONLINE
Reference(s): BANGKOK 2423
Executive Order (E.O.): GS
Markings: Declassified/Released US Department of State EO

Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005
Enclosure: -- N/A or Blank --
Concepts: AIRLINES, CONTRACTS, FOREIGN POLICY POSITION
TAGS: Laos [LA]
Military and Defense Affairs--Military and Defense Arrangements [MARR]
Political Affairs--Military Capabilities [MCAP]
Thailand [TH]
Office: -- N/A or Blank --
Document Character Count: 4908
Date: 1974 February 20, 10:05 (Wednesday)

SECRET

PAGE 01 BANGKO 02851 202224Z

73
ACTION EA-13

INFO OCT-01 SS-14 ISO-00 NSC-10 NSCE-00 CIAE-00 INR-10

NSAE-00 RSC-01 PM-03 L-02 SAM-01 PRS-01 SPC-01 DRC-01

/058 W
--------------------- 108964
R 201005Z FEB 74
FM AMEMBASSY BANGKOK
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 0786
OSD ISA
INFO AMEMBASSY TAIPEI
AMEMBASSY VIENTIANE
AMCONSUL UDORN

S E C R E T BANGKOK 2851

LIMDIS

E.O. 11652: GDS
TAGS: MARR, MCAP, TH, LA
SUBJ: AIR AMERICA

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974BANGKO02851_b.html

REF: BANGKOK 2423

1. IN CONSULTATION WITH US MISSION IN VIENTIANE, WE HAVE
EVALUATED THE REQUIREMENT FOR CONTINUATION OF AIR AMERICA
OPERATIONS FROM THAI BASES AND HAVE REACHED THE FOLLOWING
TENTATIVE CONCLUSIONS:

A. AIR AMERICA OPERATIONS IN THAILAND ARE COMING UNDER
INCREASING RTG CRITICISM (REFTEL), AND WE ANTICIPATE THAT
THE RTG MAY SHORTLY REQUEST AIR AMERICA CEASE OPERATIONS
IN THAILAND NOT LATER THAN 30 JUNE 1974 WHEN ITS CONTRACT
EXPIRES. IN ANY EVENT, ONCE THE THAI SGUS IN LAOS
ARE TERMINATED AT THE END OF THE FISCAL YEAR, IN THE RTG
VIEW THE MAJOR JUSTIFICATION FOR AIR AMERICA OPERATIONS WILL
EXPIRE.

SECRET

SECRET

PAGE 02 BANGKO 02851 202224Z

B. CONCOMITANTLY, FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LAOS COALITION
GOVERNMENT, WITH THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS/TRANSPORTATION
PROTFOLIO HELD BY THE PATHET LAO, COULD VERY QUICKLY PUT
AN END TO OVERT AIR AMERICA CROSS-BORDER MOVEMENTS BETWEEN
THAILAND AND LAOS.

C. PRESENT FLIGHT OPERATIONS IN THAILAND NOW PROVIDED BY
AIR AMERICA, INCLUDING SUPPORT TO JOINT US/THAI BPP AND
RELATED NARCOTICS PROGRAMS, SHOULD BE RETAINED IF AT ALL
POSSIBLE.

D. US MISSION VIENTIANE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTINUED AIR
AMERICA FLIGHT OPERATIONS BEYOND 30 JUNE CAN BE ACCOMMODATED
BY OTHER MEANS.

E. THE RLAF IS ALMOST TOTALLY DEPENDENT FOR CONTINUED
OPERATIONS ON THE AIR AMERICA UDORN MAINTENANCE CAPABILITY.
CONSEQUENTLY, THIS CAPABILITY SHOULD BE RETAINED AT LEAST
18 MONTHS UNTIL RLAF IN-COUNTRY SELF-SUFFICIENCY CAN BE
ACHIEVED, ALTHOUGH WHETHER THE PGNU AND/OR RTG WILL
SANCTION CONTINUED RLAF MAINTENANCE AT UDORN IS SOMEWHAT
DOUBTFUL. IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT USG CAMBODIAN AIR FORCE
TRAINING PROGRAMS DEPENDENT ON THE UDORN MAINTENANCE
FACILITY WILL CONTINUE FOR SOME TIME BEYOND 30 JUNE 1974.

F. WE CONCLUDE, THEREFORE, THAT AIR AMERICA IN ITS
PRESENT FORM WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CONTINUE OPERATION IN
THAILAND PAST 30 JUNE. HOWEVER, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE
MAINTENANCE CAPABILITY AT UDORN BE RETAINED IN SOME OTHER
FORM TO SUPPORT RLAF AND KAF PROGRAMS. IT IS ALSO DESIRABLE
THAT SOME CONTRACTOR-OPERATED AIR SUPPORT BE AVILABLE
TO THE US MISSIONS IN THAILAND AND LAOS.

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974BANGKO02851_b.html

2. THE PENDING SALE OF AIR AMERICA IS INHIBITING ANY
ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR CONTINUING THAILAND-BASED
OPERATIONS BEYOND 30 JUNE. THEREFORE WE BELIEVE, AS A
MINIMUM, AGREEMENT SHOULD BE SOUGHT FROM AIR AMERICA TO
SEPARATE THESE OPERATIONS FROM THE BALANCE OF THE CORPORATION
AND FACILITATE SALE OR TRANSFER OF THEIR INTERESTS TO
ANOTHER ENTITY. SINCE BUILDINGS AND SHOP EQUIPMENT ARE
MOSTLY USG PROPERTY, AIR AMERICA EQUITY LARGELY CONSISTS
SECRET

SECRET

PAGE 03 BANGKO 02851 202224Z

OF MANAGEMENT AND USG CONTRACTS. RESERVOIR OF TRAINED
THAI MANPOWER IS ALSO VALUABLE BUT UNSALEABLE ASSET.

3. WE DO NOT BELIEVE THAT ANY OTHER AMERICAN CONTRACTOR WOULD
BE ACCEPTABLE TO THE RTG, EXCEPT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH A
THAI FIRM IN A JOINT VENTURE. THE EXISTING THAI/AM JOINT
VENTURE IS PRESENTLY WORKING ON US MILITARY CONTRACTS FOR
KAF MAINTENANCE AND IS CONSIDERED ACCEPTABLE TO THE RTG.
THEREFORE, WE URGE DIRECT APPROACH TO THE US THAI/AM PARTNERS
TO LAY BASIS FOR INTER-CORPORATE ARRANGEMENT FOR TRANSFER
OF AIR AMERICA INTERESTS, WITH RETENTION OF SUCH AMERICAN
PERSONNEL IN THAILAND AS REQUIRED FOR FLIGHT OPERATIONS
AND MAINTENANCE QUALITY CONTROL BEYOND 30 JUNE.

4. IF THAI/AM BACKERS NOT WILLING TO UNDERTAKE INITIATIVE
WITH THAI PARTNERS, AIR AMERICA SHOULD BE URGED TO EITHER:
(A) SEEK A THAI PRICE OFFER FOR THAI-BASED OPERATIONS; OR
(B) IN LIKELY EVENT THERE ARE NO BUYERS, PURSUE ENERGETICALLY
JOINT VENTURE ARRANGEMENT WITH A THAI PARTNER.

5. LACKING SUCCESSFUL USG INTERVENTION WITH COMPANY MANAGE-
MENTS TO ENSURE ORDERLY TRANSFER, WE ANTICIPATE THAT RTG
WILL COME DOWN HARD ON AIR AMERICA OPERATIONS IN EXPECTATION
OF INHERITING BUILDINGS AND SHOP EQUIPMENT AS EXCESS
PROPERTY IF AIR AMERICA IS FORCED OUT OF BUSINESS AT UDORN.
THIS WOULD IN FACT BE ALTERNATIVE FALLBACK POSSIBILITY,
WITH ONUS PLACED ON RTG TO ORGANIZE CONTINUED OPERATION
OF MAINTENANCE FACILITY FOR RESIDUAL USG NEEDS, BUT WE WOULD
EXPECT GREATER CONFUSION AS WELL AS TEMPORARY HIATUS AND
DETERIORATION IN SERVICE QUALITY.

6. ACTION REQUESTED: IN VIEW IMPORTANCE ATTACHED TO NOT
IMPAIRING RLAF (AND BY INFERENCE KAF) CAPABILITY (STATE
027961, PARA 2), WE REQUEST WASHINGTON AGENCIES TAKE URGENT
APPROPRIATE ACTION TO ENSURE CONTINUING ESSENTIAL CONTRACT
AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE FACILITY AND AIR OPERATIONS OUT OF
UDORN BASE.
KINTNER

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974BANGKO02851_b.html

SECRET
NNN

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974BANGKO02851_b.html

Capture Date: 01 JAN 1994 APPROVED <17 DEC
Channel Indicators: n/a
Current Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Concepts: AIRLINES, CONTRACTS, FOREIGN POLICY POSITION
Control Number: n/a
Copy: SINGLE
Draft Date: 20 FEB 1974
Decaption Date: 28 MAY 2004
Decaption Note: 25 YEAR REVIEW
Disposition Action: RELEASED
Disposition Approved on Date: n/a
Disposition Authority: golinofr
Disposition Case Number: n/a
Disposition Comment: 25 YEAR REVIEW
Disposition Date: 28 MAY 2004
Disposition Event: n/a
Disposition History: n/a
Disposition Reason: n/a
Disposition Remarks: n/a
Document Number: 1974BANGKO02851
Document Source: CORE
Document Unique ID: 00
Drafter: n/a
Enclosure: n/a
Executive Order: GS
Errors: N/A
Film Number: n/a
From: BANGKOK
Handling Restrictions: n/a
Image Path: n/a
ISecure: 1
Legacy Key: link1974/newtext/t19740222/aaaaauup.tel
Line Count: 145
Locator: TEXT ON-LINE
Office: ACTION EA
Original Classification: SECRET
Original Handling Restrictions: LIMDIS
Original Previous Classification: n/a
Original Previous Handling Restrictions: n/a
Page Count: 3
Previous Channel Indicators: n/a
Previous Classification: SECRET
Previous Handling Restrictions: LIMDIS
Reference: BANGKOK 2423
Review Action: RELEASED, APPROVED
Review Authority: golinofr
Review Comment: n/a
Review Content Flags: n/a
Review Date: 06 AUG 2002
Review Event: n/a
Review Exemptions: n/a
Review History: RELEASED <06-Aug-2002 by shawdg>;
2002 by golinofr>
Review Markings: n/a

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974BANGKO02851_b.html

US Department of State Systematic
EO Systematic Review
30 JUN 2005

Review Media Identifier: n/a
Review Referrals: n/a
Review Release Date: n/a
Review Release Event: n/a
Review Transfer Date: n/a
Review Withdrawn Fields: n/a
Secure: OPEN
Status: NATIVE
Subject: AIR AMERICA
TAGS: MARR, MCAP, TH, LA, AIR AMERICA
To: STATE
Type: TE
Markings: Declassified/Released US Department of State EO
Review 30 JUN 2005

Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974STATE034947_b.html

Canonical ID: 1974STATE034947_b
Subject: AIR AMERICA
From: Department of State
To: Commander in Chief US Pacific Command
Original Classification: SECRET
Current Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Previous Handling Restrictions: LIMDIS
Archive Status: Electronic Telegrams
Type: TE
Locator: TEXT ONLINE
Reference(s): BANGKOK 2423
Executive Order (E.O.): GS
Markings: Declassified/Released US Department of State EO

Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005
Enclosure: -- N/A or Blank --
Concepts: AIRLINES, CONTRACTS, FOREIGN POLICY POSITION
TAGS: Laos [LA]
Military and Defense Affairs--Military and Defense Arrangements [MARR]
Political Affairs--Military Capabilities [MCAP]
Thailand [TH]
Office: -- N/A or Blank --
Document Character Count: 5003
Date: 1974 February 21, 21:49 (Thursday)

SECRET

PAGE 01 STATE 034947

17
ORIGIN EA-04

INFO OCT-01 ISO-00 DODE-00 /005 R

66617
DRAFTED BY: EA/TB:JFKNOWLES
APPROVED BY: EA/TB:JBDEXTER
OSD/ISA-JHKELLY
--------------------- 131067
R 212149Z FEB 74
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO CINCPAC

S E C R E T STATE 034947

LIMDIS, FOR POLAD

FOLLOWING IS REPEAT BANGKOK 2851 SENT ACTION SECSTATE OSD ISA
INFO TAIPEI VIENTIANE UDORN DATED FEB 20.

QUOTE

S E C R E T BANGKOK 2851

LIMDIS

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974STATE034947_b.html

E.O. 11652: GDS
TAGS: MARR, MCAP, TH, LA
SUBJ: AIR AMERICA

REF: BANGKOK 2423

1. IN CONSULTATION WITH US MISSION IN VIENTIANE, WE HAVE
EVALUATED THE REQUIREMENT FOR CONTINUATION OF AIR AMERICA
OPERATIONS FROM THAI BASES AND HAVE REACHED THE FOLLOWING
TENTATIVE CONCLUSIONS:

A. AIR AMERICA OPERATIONS IN THAILAND ARE COMING UNDER
INCREASING RTG CRITICISM (REFTEL), AND WE ANTICIPATE THAT
THE RTG MAY SHORTLY REQUEST AIR AMERICA CEASE OPERATIONS
SECRET

SECRET

PAGE 02 STATE 034947

IN THAILAND NOT LATER THAN 30 JUNE 1974 WHEN ITS CONTRACT
EXPIRES. IN ANY EVENT, ONCE THE THAI SGUS IN LAOS
ARE TERMINATED AT THE END OF THE FISCAL YEAR, IN THE RTG
VIEW THE MAJOR JUSTIFICATION FOR AIR AMERICA OPERATIONS WILL
EXPIRE.

B. CONCOMITANTLY, FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LAOS COALITION
GOVERNMENT, WITH THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS/TRANSPORTATION
PROTFOLIO HELD BY THE PATHET LAO, COULD VERY QUICKLY PUT
AN END TO OVERT AIR AMERICA CROSS-BORDER MOVEMENTS BETWEEN
THAILAND AND LAOS.

C. PRESENT FLIGHT OPERATIONS IN THAILAND NOW PROVIDED BY
AIR AMERICA, INCLUDING SUPPORT TO JOINT US/THAI BPP AND
RELATED NARCOTICS PROGRAMS, SHOULD BE RETAINED IF AT ALL
POSSIBLE.

D. US MISSION VIENTIANE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTINUED AIR
AMERICA FLIGHT OPERATIONS BEYOND 30 JUNE CAN BE ACCOMMODATED
BY OTHER MEANS.

E. THE RLAF IS ALMOST TOTALLY DEPENDENT FOR CONTINUED
OPERATIONS ON THE AIR AMERICA UDORN MAINTENANCE CAPABILITY.
CONSEQUENTLY, THIS CAPABILITY SHOULD BE RETAINED AT LEAST
18 MONTHS UNTIL RLAF IN-COUNTRY SELF-SUFFICIENCY CAN BE
ACHIEVED, ALTHOUGH WHETHER THE PGNU AND/OR RTG WILL
SANCTION CONTINUED RLAF MAINTENANCE AT UDORN IS SOMEWHAT
DOUBTFUL. IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT USG CAMBODIAN AIR FORCE
TRAINING PROGRAMS DEPENDENT ON THE UDORN MAINTENANCE
FACILITY WILL CONTINUE FOR SOME TIME BEYOND 30 JUNE 1974.

F. WE CONCLUDE, THEREFORE, THAT AIR AMERICA IN ITS
PRESENT FORM WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CONTINUE OPERATION IN

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974STATE034947_b.html

THAILAND PAST 30 JUNE. HOWEVER, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE
MAINTENANCE CAPABILITY AT UDORN BE RETAINED IN SOME OTHER
FORM TO SUPPORT RLAF AND KAF PROGRAMS. IT IS ALSO DESIRABLE
THAT SOME CONTRACTOR-OPERATED AIR SUPPORT BE AVILABLE
TO THE US MISSIONS IN THAILAND AND LAOS.

2. THE PENDING SALE OF AIR AMERICA IS INHIBITING ANY
ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR CONTINUING THAILAND-BASED
SECRET

SECRET

PAGE 03 STATE 034947

OPERATIONS BEYOND 30 JUNE. THEREFORE WE BELIEVE, AS A
MINIMUM, AGREEMENT SHOULD BE SOUGHT FROM AIR AMERICA TO
SEPARATE THESE OPERATIONS FROM THE BALANCE OF THE CORPORATION
AND FACILITATE SALE OR TRANSFER OF THEIR INTERESTS TO
ANOTHER ENTITY. SINCE BUILDINGS AND SHOP EQUIPMENT ARE
MOSTLY USG PROPERTY, AIR AMERICA EQUITY LARGELY CONSISTS
OF MANAGEMENT AND USG CONTRACTS. RESERVOIR OF TRAINED
THAI MANPOWER IS ALSO VALUABLE BUT UNSALEABLE ASSET.

3. WE DO NOT BELIEVE THAT ANY OTHER AMERICAN CONTRACTOR WOULD
BE ACCEPTABLE TO THE RTG, EXCEPT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH A
THAI FIRM IN A JOINT VENTURE. THE EXISTING THAI/AM JOINT
VENTURE IS PRESENTLY WORKING ON US MILITARY CONTRACTS FOR
KAF MAINTENANCE AND IS CONSIDERED ACCEPTABLE TO THE RTG.
THEREFORE, WE URGE DIRECT APPROACH TO THE US THAI/AM PARTNERS
TO LAY BASIS FOR INTER-CORPORATE ARRANGEMENT FOR TRANSFER
OF AIR AMERICA INTERESTS, WITH RETENTION OF SUCH AMERICAN
PERSONNEL IN THAILAND AS REQUIRED FOR FLIGHT OPERATIONS
AND MAINTENANCE QUALITY CONTROL BEYOND 30 JUNE.

4. IF THAI/AM BACKERS NOT WILLING TO UNDERTAKE INITIATIVE
WITH THAI PARTNERS, AIR AMERICA SHOULD BE URGED TO EITHER:
(A) SEEK A THAI PRICE OFFER FOR THAI-BASED OPERATIONS; OR
(B) IN LIKELY EVENT THERE ARE NO BUYERS, PURSUE ENERGETICALLY
JOINT VENTURE ARRANGEMENT WITH A THAI PARTNER.

5. LACKING SUCCESSFUL USG INTERVENTION WITH COMPANY MANAGE-
MENTS TO ENSURE ORDERLY TRANSFER, WE ANTICIPATE THAT RTG
WILL COME DOWN HARD ON AIR AMERICA OPERATIONS IN EXPECTATION
OF INHERITING BUILDINGS AND SHOP EQUIPMENT AS EXCESS
PROPERTY IF AIR AMERICA IS FORCED OUT OF BUSINESS AT UDORN.
THIS WOULD IN FACT BE ALTERNATIVE FALLBACK POSSIBILITY,
WITH ONUS PLACED ON RTG TO ORGANIZE CONTINUED OPERATION
OF MAINTENANCE FACILITY FOR RESIDUAL USG NEEDS, BUT WE WOULD
EXPECT GREATER CONFUSION AS WELL AS TEMPORARY HIATUS AND
DETERIORATION IN SERVICE QUALITY.

6. ACTION REQUESTED: IN VIEW IMPORTANCE ATTACHED TO NOT
IMPAIRING RLAF (AND BY INFERENCE KAF) CAPABILITY (STATE
027961, PARA 2), WE REQUEST WASHINGTON AGENCIES TAKE URGENT
APPROPRIATE ACTION TO ENSURE CONTINUING ESSENTIAL CONTRACT

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974STATE034947_b.html

SECRET
SECRET
PAGE 04 STATE 034947
AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE FACILITY AND AIR OPERATIONS OUT OF
UDORN BASE.
KINTNER UNQUOTE RUSH
SECRET

NNN

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974STATE034947_b.html

Capture Date: 01 JAN 1994 APPROVED <17 DEC
Channel Indicators: n/a
Current Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Concepts: AIRLINES, CONTRACTS, FOREIGN POLICY POSITION
Control Number: n/a
Copy: SINGLE
Draft Date: 21 FEB 1974
Decaption Date: 28 MAY 2004
Decaption Note: 25 YEAR REVIEW
Disposition Action: RELEASED
Disposition Approved on Date: n/a
Disposition Authority: golinofr
Disposition Case Number: n/a
Disposition Comment: 25 YEAR REVIEW
Disposition Date: 28 MAY 2004
Disposition Event: n/a
Disposition History: n/a
Disposition Reason: n/a
Disposition Remarks: n/a
Document Number: 1974STATE034947
Document Source: CORE
Document Unique ID: 00
Drafter: EA/TB:JFKNOWLES
Enclosure: n/a
Executive Order: GS
Errors: N/A
Film Number: n/a
From: STATE
Handling Restrictions: n/a
Image Path: n/a
ISecure: 1
Legacy Key: link1974/newtext/t19740217/aaaaaqcy.tel
Line Count: 157
Locator: TEXT ON-LINE
Office: ORIGIN EA
Original Classification: SECRET
Original Handling Restrictions: LIMDIS
Original Previous Classification: n/a
Original Previous Handling Restrictions: n/a
Page Count: 3
Previous Channel Indicators: n/a
Previous Classification: SECRET
Previous Handling Restrictions: LIMDIS
Reference: BANGKOK 2423
Review Action: RELEASED, APPROVED
Review Authority: golinofr
Review Comment: n/a
Review Content Flags: n/a
Review Date: 06 AUG 2002
Review Event: n/a
Review Exemptions: n/a
Review History: RELEASED <06-Aug-2002 by shawdg>;
2002 by golinofr>
Review Markings: n/a

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974STATE034947_b.html

US Department of State Systematic
EO Systematic Review
30 JUN 2005

Review Media Identifier: n/a
Review Referrals: n/a
Review Release Date: n/a
Review Release Event: n/a
Review Transfer Date: n/a
Review Withdrawn Fields: n/a
Secure: OPEN
Status: NATIVE
Subject: AIR AMERICA
TAGS: MARR, MCAP, TH, LA, AIR AMERICA
To: CINCPAC
Type: TE
Markings: Declassified/Released US Department of State EO
Review 30 JUN 2005

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http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974VIENTI02527_b.html

Canonical ID: 1974VIENTI02527_b
Subject: STATUS AIR AMERICA MIAS - LAOS
From: Laos Vientiane
To: CDR USAMAA ME MA-DIS, Commander Joint Casualty Resolution

Center, Defense Intelligence Agency, Secretary of State
Original Classification: LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
Current Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Previous Handling Restrictions: -- N/A or Blank --
Archive Status: Electronic Telegrams
Type: TE
Locator: TEXT ON MICROFILM, TEXT ONLINE
Reference(s): DIA 2328 FOUO R 221535Z FEB 74
Executive Order (E.O.): -- N/A or Blank --
Markings: Declassified/Released US Department of State EO

Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005
Enclosure: -- N/A or Blank --
Concepts: KIA, MIA, WELFARE & WHEREABOUTS
TAGS: Laos [LA]
Military and Defense Affairs--Military Operations [MOPS]
United States [US]
Office: -- N/A or Blank --
Document Character Count: 1040
Date: 1974 March 29, 02:31 (Friday)

LIMITED OFFICIAL USE

PAGE 01 VIENTI 02527 290446Z

12
ACTION DPW-01

INFO OCT-01 EA-11 ISO-00 PM-07 NSC-07 SPC-03 SS-20 RSC-01

CIAE-00 INR-10 NSAE-00 PRS-01 DRC-01 /063 W
--------------------- 004540
R 290231Z MAR 74
FM AMEMBASSY VIENTIANE
TO DIA WASHDC
INFO SECSTATE WASHDC 8306
CDR USAMAA WASHDC/ME MA-DIS
CDR JCRC NKP

LIMITED OFFICIAL USE VIENTIANE 2527

E.O. 11652: N/A
TAGS: MOPS, LA
SUBJECT: STATUS AIR AMERICA MIAS - LAOS

REF: DIA 2328 FOUO R 221535Z FEB 74

1. LOCAL AIR AMERICA (AA) OFFICIAL QUERIED EMBASSY
OFFICER ON MARCH 28 RE OFFICIAL STATUS OF AA PILOTS

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974VIENTI02527_b.html

HOWARD H. BOYLES AND JACK W. CAVIL. REFTEL INDICATED
A CHANGE IN STATUS OF SUBJECT PILOTS FROM MISSING TO
KILLED. AA OFFICIAL STATED THAT MRS. BOYLES, WHO
CURRENTLY RESIDES IN VIENTIANE, IS IN FREQUENT CONTACT
WITH HIM AND IS APPARENTLY UNAWARE OF THE DIA CHANGE IN
STATUS.
2. REQUEST INFORMATION RE ACTION TAKEN TO NOTIFY NEXT
OF KIN AND HOME OFFICE OF AIR AMERICA (1725 K STREET,
WASHINGTON, D.C. ).
WHITEHOUSE

LIMITED OFFICIAL USE

NNN

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974VIENTI02527_b.html

Capture Date: 01 JAN 1994 APPROVED
Channel Indicators: n/a
Current Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Concepts: WELFARE & WHEREABOUTS, MIA, KIA
Control Number: n/a
Copy: SINGLE
Draft Date: 29 MAR 1974
Decaption Date: 01 JAN 1960
Decaption Note: n/a
Disposition Action: RELEASED
Disposition Approved on Date: n/a
Disposition Authority: MorefiRH
Disposition Case Number: n/a
Disposition Comment: 25 YEAR REVIEW
Disposition Date: 28 MAY 2004
Disposition Event: n/a
Disposition History: n/a
Disposition Reason: n/a
Disposition Remarks: n/a
Document Number: 1974VIENTI02527
Document Source: CORE
Document Unique ID: 00
Drafter: n/a
Enclosure: n/a
Executive Order: N/A
Errors: N/A
Film Number: D740069-0043
From: VIENTIANE
Handling Restrictions: n/a
Image Path: n/a
ISecure: 1
Legacy Key: link1974/newtext/t1974032/aaaaabsv.tel
Line Count: 49
Locator: TEXT ON-LINE, ON MICROFILM
Office: ACTION DPW
Original Classification: LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
Original Handling Restrictions: n/a
Original Previous Classification: n/a
Original Previous Handling Restrictions: n/a
Page Count: 1
Previous Channel Indicators: n/a
Previous Classification: LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
Previous Handling Restrictions: n/a
Reference: DIA 2328 FOUO R 221535Z FEB 74
Review Action: RELEASED, APPROVED
Review Authority: MorefiRH
Review Comment: n/a
Review Content Flags: n/a
Review Date: 06 AUG 2002
Review Event: n/a
Review Exemptions: n/a
Review History: RELEASED <06-Aug-2002 by shawdg>;
<06-Aug-2002 by MorefiRH>
Review Markings: n/a

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974VIENTI02527_b.html

US Department of State JACK)
EO Systematic Review Systematic
30 JUN 2005

Review Media Identifier: n/a
Review Referrals: n/a
Review Release Date: n/a
Review Release Event: n/a
Review Transfer Date: n/a
Review Withdrawn Fields: n/a
Secure: OPEN
Status: NATIVE
Subject: STATUS AIR AMERICA MIAS - LAOS
TAGS: MOPS, LA, US, AIR AMERICA, (BOYLES, HOWARD H), (CAVIL,
To: n/a
Type: TE
Markings: Declassified/Released US Department of State EO
Review 30 JUN 2005

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http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974BANGKO06611_b.html

Canonical ID: 1974BANGKO06611_b
Subject: AIR AMERICA
From: Thailand Bangkok
To: Cambodia Phnom Penh, Department of State, Laos Vientiane,

MACTHAI, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of State, Thailand Udon Thani
Original Classification: SECRET
Current Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Previous Handling Restrictions: LIMDIS
Archive Status: Electronic Telegrams
Type: TE
Locator: TEXT ON MICROFILM, TEXT ONLINE
Reference(s): A. BANGKOK 5302 AND PREVIOUS
Executive Order (E.O.): GS
Markings: Declassified/Released US Department of State EO

Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005
Enclosure: -- N/A or Blank --
Concepts: AIR SCHEDULES, AIRLINES, CONTRACTS, DIPLOMATIC

DISCUSSIONS, POLICIES
TAGS: Cambodia [CB]
Laos [LA]
Military and Defense Affairs--Military and Defense Arrangements [MARR]
Political Affairs--Military Capabilities [MCAP]
Thailand [TH]
Office: -- N/A or Blank --
Document Character Count: 4802
Date: 1974 April 23, 12:55 (Tuesday)

SECRET

PAGE 01 BANGKO 06611 231418Z

51
ACTION EA-13

INFO OCT-01 SS-14 ISO-00 SSO-00 NSC-07 NSCE-00 PM-03 SP-01

INR-10 CIAE-00 L-02 PRS-01 AID-10 RSC-01 DRC-01

INRE-00 /064 W
--------------------- 024955
O R 231255Z APR 74
FM AMEMBASSY BANGKOK
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2658
INFO AMEMBASSY PHNOM PENH
AMEMBASSY VIENTIANE
SECDEF WASHDC
AMCONSUL UDORN
MACTHAI

S E C R E T BANGKOK 6611

LIMDIS

E.O. 11652: GDS

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974BANGKO06611_b.html

TAGS: MARR, MCAP, TH, LA, CB
SUBJ: AIR AMERICA

REF: A. BANGKOK 5302 AND PREVIOUS

B. STATE 69714 AND PREVIOUS

SUMMARY: SINCE MEETING BETWEEN AMBASSADOR AND MINISTER OF
DEFENSE, AIR CHIEF MARSHAL DAWEE (REF A), AIR AMERICA
DIRECTOR VELTE AND COMPANY REPRESENTATIVES HAVE MET WITH
AIR MARSHAL SOONTORN, DIRECTOR OF THAI/AM, ON TWO SEPAR-
ATE OCCASIONS. AS A RESULT OF THESE MEETINGS, IT IS
APPARENT THAT THE THAIS ARE IN NO HURRY TO TAKE OVER THE AIR
AMERICA UDORN OPERATION BY 30 JUNE. WE ARE THEREFORE RAPIDLY
APPROACHING AN IMPASSE THAT IN ALL PROBABILITY WILL NOT ALLOW
SUFFICIENT TIME TO MEET AIR AMERICA'S DESIRE TO TERMINATE OP-
ERATIONS AT THE END OF THE CURRENT CONTRACT PERIOD. ONLY WAY
WE CAN SEE TO GET THAI MOVING IS TO OFFER TO TURN OVER ES-
SENTIAL GFE TO THEM. MR. VELTE, WHO IS NOW ENROUTE TO WASHING-
SECRET

SECRET

PAGE 02 BANGKO 06611 231418Z

TON, SHARES THIS VIEW AND WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR STATE/DOD
CONSULTATIONS. WE URGE FULL DISCUSSIONS WITH HIM TO AMPLIFY
THE PROBLEM AREAS DISCUSSED IN THIS MESSAGE. END SUMMARY.

1. WE UNDERSTAND THAT IN EARLY 1972 WASHINGTON LEVEL PLANNING
COMMENCED TO DISPOSE OF CERTAIN UNIQUE AIR PROPERTIES INCLUDING
AIR AMERICA. APPROXIMATELY A YEAR LATER A FIRM DECISION WAS MADE
TO DISPOSE OF AIR AMERICA AND STATE/DOD/AID WERE SO NOTIFIED.
LATER IN 1973 AIR AMERICA WAS PUT UP FOR SALE BUT A DECI-
SION WAS MADE THAT THE BIDS RECEIVED WERE TOO LOW. MEANWHILE,
AFTER OCTOBER 1973, AIR AMERICA OPERATIONS IN THAILAND HAD
BECOME A SOURCE OF IRRITATION IN THAI-U.S. RELATIONS. IN EARLY
1974 IN PARTIAL RESPONSE TO A MISSION RECOMMENDATION, A DECIS-
ION WAS MADE TO CLOSE OUT AIR AMERICA OPERATIONS IN THAILAND,
ALTHOUGH CERTAIN OTHER AIR PROPERTIES ARE STILL UP FOR POSSIBLE
DISPOSITION BY SALE. SUBSEQUENTLY, WE DID NOT RECEIVE SUFFI-
CIENT GUIDANCE TO APPROACH THE RTG UNTIL THE MEETING ON 1 APRIL
(REF A), OR APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS AFTER INITIAL PLANNING
WAS BEGUN TO DISPOSE OF AIR AMERICA. WE CAN THEREFORE SYMPATHIZE
WITH THE RTG VIEW THAT THEY ARE NOT GOING TO BE RUSHED
INTO ASSUMING A CONTRACT THAT, FIRST IS SMALL (REF B);
AND, SECOND, OF UNCERTAIN DURATION, IN PART DEPENDENT ON
THE POLITICAL SITUATION IN LAOS AND THE ABILITY OF THE
RLAF TO ATTAIN SELF-SUFFICIENCY.

2. WITH THE INTERNAL POLITICAL PROBLEMS CURRENTLY FACING
THE RTG, THEY HAVE MADE IT CRYSTAL CLEAR TO AIR AMERICA
NEGOTIATORS THAT THE ASSUMPTION OF THE UDORN CONTRACT
IS WAY DOWN ON THEIR LIST OF PRIORITIES. THEY HAVE

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974BANGKO06611_b.html

RECOGNIZED THE DISCREPANCY IN PAY RATES BETWEEN THAI/AM
SALARIES IN BANGKOK AND THE HIGHER RATES PAID BY AIR
AMERICA IN THAILAND AS A REAL PRACTICAL PROBLEM AND
VOICED CONCERN OVER WHAT THEY WILL ULTIMATELY DO WITH THE
THAI EMPLOYEES WHOM THEY WOULD INHERIT AS PART OF THE
POSSIBLE CONTRACT. FINALLY, IT IS CLEAR THEY CONSIDER IT
POLITICALLY UNACCEPTABLE TO CONTINUE TO EMPLOY THIRD-COUNTRY
NATIONALS AND THAT ONLY A FEW AMERICAN MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL
WOULD BE ALLOWED TO STAY, AND THOSE ONLY ON A YEARLY CONTRACT
BASIS. WITHOUT THIS BACKBONE OF ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL, WE
ARE DOUBTFUL THAT A THAI INSTRUMENTALITY COULD PRODUCE AD-
EQUTE MAINTENANCE. HOWEVER, THE TIME CONSUMING PROCESS OF
SECRET

SECRET

PAGE 03 BANGKO 06611 231418Z

TURNING OVER NECESSARY GFE TO THE THAI MIGHT BE USED AS LEVERAGE
TO MAINTAIN THIS NECESSARY BACKBONE STRUCTURE FOR SOME
TIME TO COME.

3. IN REVIEWING THE GFE LIST PROVIDED MACTHAI, WE NOTE
THAT OF THE $7.2 MILLION INVOLVED, $5.9 MILLION WAS
PURCHASED WITH FUNDS EARMARKED FOR LAOTIAN SUPPORT. OF
THIS AMOUNT APPROXIMATELY $4.7 MILLION IS IN FIXED PROPERTY
AND UTILITY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS THAT WOULD, PER PRIOR
AGREEMENT, REVERT TO THE RTG ANYWAY AT SUCH TIME AS THE US
HAS NO FURTHER REQUIREMENT FOR THE FACILITIES. THE REMAINING
$1.2 MILLION OF LAOS FUNDED MATERIAL IS ASSUMED TO BE ON DEP-
CHIEF'S BOOKS AND DISPOSITION WOULD HAVE TO BE WORKED OUT BY
THEM. AIR FORCE-OWNED GFE EQUIPMENT RUNS TO ABOUT AN ADDI-
TIONAL $1.3 MILLION, MUCH OF WHICH WE ASSUME COULD NOT BE
ECONOMICALLY RETROGRADED FOR USE ELSEWHERE. FOR EXAMPLE,
SUCH ITEMS AS 4 BICYCLES PURCHASED IN 1961 AT A TOTAL
ACQUSITION COST OF $170 WOULD NOT APPEAR TO BE LIKELY
CANDIDATES FOR RETROGRADE. IN SUM, IT WILL TAKE SOME TIME TO
EVALUATE WHAT IS ON HAND, TO EVALUATE LAOS REQUIREMENTS, AND
FINALLY TO NEGOTIATE THE TURN OVER OF REMAINING NECESSARY GFE
TO THE THAI. WE SHOULD BE FORTHCOMING I
EEEEEEEE

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974BANGKO06611_b.html

Capture Date: 01 JAN 1994 DIPLOMATIC
Channel Indicators: n/a
Current Classification: UNCLASSIFIED CIA>;
Concepts: POLICIES, AIRLINES, CONTRACTS, AIR SCHEDULES, 2003 by
DISCUSSIONS
Control Number: n/a
Copy: SINGLE
Draft Date: 23 APR 1974
Decaption Date: 28 MAY 2004
Decaption Note: 25 YEAR REVIEW
Disposition Action: RELEASED
Disposition Approved on Date: n/a
Disposition Authority: GarlanWA
Disposition Case Number: n/a
Disposition Comment: 25 YEAR REVIEW
Disposition Date: 28 MAY 2004
Disposition Event: n/a
Disposition History: n/a
Disposition Reason: n/a
Disposition Remarks: n/a
Document Number: 1974BANGKO06611
Document Source: CORE
Document Unique ID: 00
Drafter: n/a
Enclosure: n/a
Executive Order: GS
Errors: N/A
Film Number: D740094-1165
From: BANGKOK
Handling Restrictions: n/a
Image Path: n/a
ISecure: 1
Legacy Key: link1974/newtext/t19740423/aaaaatsj.tel
Line Count: 124
Locator: TEXT ON-LINE, ON MICROFILM
Office: ACTION EA
Original Classification: SECRET
Original Handling Restrictions: LIMDIS
Original Previous Classification: n/a
Original Previous Handling Restrictions: n/a
Page Count: 3
Previous Channel Indicators: n/a
Previous Classification: SECRET
Previous Handling Restrictions: LIMDIS
Reference: A. BANGKOK 5302 AND PREVIOUS
Review Action: RELEASED, APPROVED
Review Authority: GarlanWA
Review Comment: n/a
Review Content Flags: ANOMALY
Review Date: 26 MAR 2003
Review Event: n/a
Review Exemptions: n/a
Review History: WITHDRAWN <29 JUL 2002 by cunninfx, REFER TO
RELEASED <26 MAR 2003 by BoyleJA>; APPROVED <26 MAR
GarlanWA>

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974BANGKO06611_b.html

Review Markings: n/a Systematic

US Department of State
EO Systematic Review
30 JUN 2005

Review Media Identifier: n/a
Review Referrals: n/a
Review Release Date: n/a
Review Release Event: n/a
Review Transfer Date: n/a
Review Withdrawn Fields: n/a
Secure: OPEN
Status: NATIVE
Subject: AIR AMERICA
TAGS: MARR, MCAP, TH, LA, CB, AIR AMERICA
To: STATE
Type: TE
Markings: Declassified/Released US Department of State EO
Review 30 JUN 2005

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http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974STATE091607_b.html

Canonical ID: 1974STATE091607_b
Subject: AIR AMERICA
From: Department of State
To: Commander in Chief US Pacific Command, Laos Vientiane,

Secretary of Defense, Thailand Bangkok, Thailand Udon Thani, USMACTHAI
Original Classification: SECRET
Current Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Previous Handling Restrictions: LIMDIS
Archive Status: Electronic Telegrams
Type: TE
Locator: TEXT ON MICROFILM, TEXT ONLINE
Reference(s): (A) COMUSMACTHAI DTG 021055Z MAY 74
Executive Order (E.O.): GS
Markings: Declassified/Released US Department of State EO

Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005
Enclosure: -- N/A or Blank --
Concepts: AIR SCHEDULES, AIRLINES, CONTRACTS, POLICIES
TAGS: Cambodia [CB]
Laos [LA]
Military and Defense Affairs--Military and Defense Arrangements [MARR]
Political Affairs--Military Capabilities [MCAP]
Thailand [TH]
Office: -- N/A or Blank --
Document Character Count: 1214
Date: 1974 May 3, 21:43 (Friday)

SECRET

PAGE 01 STATE 091607

73
ORIGIN EA-13

INFO OCT-01 SS-14 ISO-00 NSC-07 NSCE-00 CIAE-00 INR-10

NSAE-00 RSC-01 L-02 PM-03 SP-01 PRS-01 AID-10 /063 R

DRAFTED BY EA/TB:JFKNOWLES:AVW
APPROVED BY EA/TB:JBDEXTER
OSD/ISA:JHKELLY
EA/LC:STHOMSEN
EA/LC:AANTIPPAS
--------------------- 028103
P 032143Z MAY 74
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO AMEMBASSY BANGKOK PRIORITY
INFO AMCONSUL UDORN PRIORITY
AMEMBASSY VIENTIANE PRIORITY
SECDEF PRIORITY
USMACTHAI PRIORITY
CINCPAC PRIORITY

S E C R E T STATE 091607

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974STATE091607_b.html

LIMDIS
E.O. 11652: GDS
TAGS: MARR, MCAP, TH, LA, CB
SUBJECT: AIR AMERICA
REFS: (A) COMUSMACTHAI DTG 021055Z MAY 74

(B) BANGKOK 6611 (C) BANGKOK 5302 (D) VIENTIANE 3460
1. WE ARE PLEASED TO LEARN FROM REF A THAT ARRANGEMENTS
FOR THAI-AM TO TAKE OVER AIR AMERICA CONTRACT BY JULY 1,
1974 NOW APPEAR TO BE WELL IN HAND. WE CONTINUE TO CONSIDER
IT ESSENTIAL THAT AIR AMERICA MAINTENANCE CAPABILITY AT
UDORN BE KEPT IN OPERATION WITHOUT DEGRADING ITS ABILITY
TO PROVIDE FULLY EFFECTIVE SUPPORT TO RLAF AND KAF PROGRAMS
FOR AS LONG AS REQUIRED AFTER JUNE 30, 1974.
SECRET
SECRET
PAGE 02 STATE 091607
2. GUIDANCE RE USG FURNISHED PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT WILL
FOLLOW. RUSH

SECRET

NNN

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974STATE091607_b.html

Capture Date: 01 JAN 1994 APPROVED <14 JAN
Channel Indicators: n/a
Current Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Concepts: POLICIES, AIRLINES, CONTRACTS, AIR SCHEDULES
Control Number: n/a
Copy: SINGLE
Draft Date: 03 MAY 1974
Decaption Date: 28 MAY 2004
Decaption Note: 25 YEAR REVIEW
Disposition Action: RELEASED
Disposition Approved on Date: n/a
Disposition Authority: garlanwa
Disposition Case Number: n/a
Disposition Comment: 25 YEAR REVIEW
Disposition Date: 28 MAY 2004
Disposition Event: n/a
Disposition History: n/a
Disposition Reason: n/a
Disposition Remarks: n/a
Document Number: 1974STATE091607
Document Source: CORE
Document Unique ID: 00
Drafter: JFKNOWLES:AVW
Enclosure: n/a
Executive Order: GS
Errors: N/A
Film Number: D740107-0286
From: STATE
Handling Restrictions: n/a
Image Path: n/a
ISecure: 1
Legacy Key: link1974/newtext/t19740575/aaaacpcj.tel
Line Count: 62
Locator: TEXT ON-LINE, ON MICROFILM
Office: ORIGIN EA
Original Classification: SECRET
Original Handling Restrictions: LIMDIS
Original Previous Classification: n/a
Original Previous Handling Restrictions: n/a
Page Count: 2
Previous Channel Indicators: n/a
Previous Classification: SECRET
Previous Handling Restrictions: LIMDIS
Reference: (A) COMUSMACTHAI DTG 021055Z MAY 74
Review Action: RELEASED, APPROVED
Review Authority: garlanwa
Review Comment: n/a
Review Content Flags: n/a
Review Date: 06 AUG 2002
Review Event: n/a
Review Exemptions: n/a
Review History: RELEASED <06-Aug-2002 by shawdg>;
2003 by garlanwa>
Review Markings: n/a

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974STATE091607_b.html

US Department of State Systematic
EO Systematic Review
30 JUN 2005

Review Media Identifier: n/a
Review Referrals: n/a
Review Release Date: n/a
Review Release Event: n/a
Review Transfer Date: n/a
Review Withdrawn Fields: n/a
Secure: OPEN
Status: NATIVE
Subject: AIR AMERICA
TAGS: MARR, MCAP, TH, LA, CB, AIR AMERICA
To: BANGKOK
Type: TE
Markings: Declassified/Released US Department of State EO
Review 30 JUN 2005

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http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974BANGKO07461_b.html

Canonical ID: 1974BANGKO07461_b
Subject: AIR AMERICA
From: Thailand Bangkok
To: Commander in Chief US Pacific Command, Department of State,

Laos Vientiane, MACTHAI, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of State,
Thailand Udon Thani
Original Classification: CONFIDENTIAL
Current Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Previous Handling Restrictions: LIMDIS
Archive Status: Electronic Telegrams
Type: TE
Locator: TEXT ON MICROFILM, TEXT ONLINE
Reference(s): STATE 91607
Executive Order (E.O.): GS
Markings: Declassified/Released US Department of State EO

Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005
Enclosure: -- N/A or Blank --
Concepts: AIRLINES, BUILDINGS & GROUNDS, CONTRACTS,

POLICIES
TAGS: Cambodia [CB]
Laos [LA]
Military and Defense Affairs--Military and Defense Arrangements [MARR]
Political Affairs--Military Capabilities [MCAP]
Thailand [TH]
Office: -- N/A or Blank --
Document Character Count: 5228
Date: 1974 May 8, 12:00 (Wednesday)

CONFIDENTIAL

PAGE 01 BANGKO 07461 081324Z

53
ACTION EA-13

INFO OCT-01 SS-14 ISO-00 NSC-07 NSCE-00 PM-03 L-02 SP-01

CIAE-00 INR-10 NSAE-00 RSC-01 PRS-01 AID-10 DRC-01

/064 W
--------------------- 075729
R 081200Z MAY 74
FM AMEMBASSY BANGKOK
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 3069
INFO AMEMBASSY VIENTIANE
AMCONSUL UDORN
SECDEF WASHDC
CINCPAC
MACTHAI

C O N F I D E N T I A L BANGKOK 7461

LIMDIS

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974BANGKO07461_b.html

E.O. 11652: GDS
TAGS: MARR, MCAP, TH, LA, CB
SUBJECT: AIR AMERICA

REF: STATE 91607

1. SUMMARY. RTG MINISTRY OF DEFENSE HAS CONFIRMED SELECTION
OF THAI/AM TO UNDERTAKE FY 75 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE CONTRACT
AT UDORN. SIMULTANEIOUSLY RTG REQUESTS TRANSFER OF ALL
GOVERNMENT-OWNED FACILITIES TO RTG. IN CONVERSATION WITH
AMBASSADOR, MARSHAL THAWI CONFIRMED IMPORTANCE RTG ATTACHES
TO TURNOVER OF EQUIPMENT; AMBASSADOR EXPLAINED COMPLEXITY
OF PROBLEM BUT PROMISED TO BE AS FORTHCOMING AS POS-
SIBLE WITHIN LEGAL LIMITS. IN SEPARATE LATER CONVERSATION
KRIANGSAK APPEARED DISSUADED FROM PRESSING FOR GFE NOW.
MISSION WILL PURSUE CONTRACT DEAL WITH THAI/AM WHILE
AWAITING FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS ON GFE DISPOSITION. END SUMMARY

2. EMBASSY RECEIVED MAY 6 FOLLOWING "VERY URGENT"
CONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENTIAL

PAGE 02 BANGKO 07461 081324Z

LETTER FROM AIR CHIEF MARSHAL THAWI, MINISTER OF DEFENSE
(INFORMAL EMBASSY TRANSLATION FROM THAI ORIGINAL).

BEGIN TEXT:

I REFER TO YOUR EXCELLENCY'S LETTER REQUESTING THE
COOPERATION FROM THE THAI GOVERNMENT TO ARRANGE
FOR A THAI COMPANY TO ENGAGE IN AIRCRAFT MAIN-
TENANCE CONTRACT AT UDORN AIRBASE, REPLACING THE
AIR AMERICA COMPANY WHOSE CONTRACT WILL EXPIRE
ON JUNE 30 THIS YEAR.

I AM VERY PLEASED TO UNDERTAKE THE REQUEST BY
SECURING THE SERVICES OF THE THAI/AM COMPANY FOR
1974 CONTRACT (JULY 1, 1974 TO JUNE 30, 1975).
IN ORDER TO HAVE SUPERVISION AND SUPPORT FOR THE
THAI/AM COMPANY TO ACHIEVE THE MAXIMUM DEGREE OF
MAINTENANCE SERVICES AS DESIRED BY THE US GOVERNMENT,
IT IS REQUESTED THAT THE US GOVERNMENT TRANSFER
ALL OF ITS GOVERNMENT-OWNED FACILITIES, PRESENTLY
PROVIDED FOR THE AIR AMERICA COMPANY, TO THE THAI
GOVERNMENTIEOR THE ON-GOING SUPERVISION AND OPERATIONS.

THE THAI GOVERNMENT APPRECIATES THE US GOVERNMENT'S
ANXIOUSNESS REGARDING THE EMPLOYMENT PROBLEM OF
1,600 THAI EMPLOYEES OF THE AIR AMERICA COMPANY.
I ACCEPT THE MATTER FOR CONSIDERATION AND ATTEMPT
TO FIND THE BEST POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE. I THINK THAT
IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE TO EMPLOY THESE PERSONNEL AT THE

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974BANGKO07461_b.html

SAME LOCATION.

FOR MUTUAL BENEFIT OF BOTH GOVERNMENTS IF YOUR
EXCELLENCY WOULD URGENTLY MAKE CONSIDERATION OF THE
PRINCIPLES WHICH I HAVE CONFIRMED, AS RELATED ABOVE,
IT WOULD PROVIDE ADEQUATE TIME TO ARRANGE THE MATTER
TO ACHIEVE THE DESIRED RESULT. END TEXT.

3. IN CALL ON THAWI MAY 7, AMBASSADOR ACKNOWLEDGED RECEIPT
OF THE LETTER AND EXPRESSED PLEASURE THAT THAI/AM
PREPARED TO UNDERTAKE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT. WITH REFER-
ENCE TO USG-OWNED PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, THE AMBASSADOR
CONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENTIAL

PAGE 03 BANGKO 07461 081324Z

SAID THIS INVOLVED SOME PROBLEMS. WE WERE PREPARED TO START
REVIEWING THE INVENTORY AND IDENTIFYING CATEGORIES WHICH
COULD BE RELEASED TO THE RTG. THE AMBASSADOR ASSURED THAWI
THAT HE INTENDED TO SEE THAT ALL EQUIPMENT ESSENTIAL TO
OPERATE THE MAINTENANCE FACILITY WOULD BE RETAINED INTACT FOR
CURRENT USE AND THAT FINAL DISPOSITION WOULD BE CONSIDERED
SYMPATHETICALLY IN THE LIGHT OF THE RTG'S INTEREST.

4. THAWI STRESSED THAT THE RTG STRONGLY DESIRED TO HAVE ALL
EQUIPMENT AT THE UDORN MAINTENANCE FACILITY TURNED OVER TO
THE RTG SUPREME COMMAND OR RTAF, WHICH WOULD THEN ARRANGE
FOR LOAN TO THAI/AM AS LONG AS THE USG CONTINUED TO REQUIRE
CONTRACT MAINTENANCE SUPPORT. HE ASSERTED THAT THE THAI
PRESS WOULD QUERY THE RTG REGARDING DISPOSAL OF THE
FACILITY WHEN AIR AMERICA CLOSES DOWN. HE ALSO EMPHASIZED
THAT ALL FIXED INSTALLATIONS MUST BE TURNED OVER TO THE RTG
IN ACCORDANCE WITH PRIOR AGREEMENTS BETWEEN OUR TWO
GOVERNMENTS.

5. THE AMBASSADOR ASSURED THAWI THAT HE WOULD PURSUE THIS
PROBLEM DURING HIS FORTHCOMING CONSULTATIONS IN WASHINGTON,
BUT URGED THAT THE UNRESOLVED QUESTIONS OF TITLE TO THE
PROPERTY NOT DELAY PROMPT AGREEMENT ON ARRANGEMENTS FOR
THAI/AM ASSUMPTION OF CONTRACT RESPONSIBILITIES EFFECTIVE
JULY 1. HE ALSO EXPRESSED GRATIFICATION WITH THAWI'S
ASSURANCES THAT THE PROBLEMS OF THE UDORN LABOR FORCE WERE
BEING CONSIDERED AND SAID THAT HE HOPED THAT THE SIZE OF THE
USG FY 75 CONTRACTS WOULD BE LARGE ENOUGH TO HOLD THE
PRESENT WORK FORCE TOGETHER.

6. IN LATER CONVERSATION MAY 7 WITH GENERAL KRIANGSAK,
DEPCOMUSMACTHAI COLONEL ADERHOLT POINTED OUT PROBLEMS FOR
THAI/AM IN RECEIVING SPARE PARTS SUPPORT FOR GFE IF AND
WHEN TITLE TRANSFERRED TO RTG. KRIANGSAK EXPRESSED
GREAT INTEREST AND ASSURED ADERHOLT HE WOULD BRIEF THAWI
AND PERSUADE HIM TO WITHDRAW DEMAND FOR EARLY TURNOVER OF
UDORN EQUIPMENT.

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974BANGKO07461_b.html

7. ON BASIS OF REQUIREMENTS RECEIVED FROM USDAO VIENTIANE
DEPCHIEF AND OTHER USERS, MACTHAI/USAF CONTRACTING OFFICERS WILL
PROCEED ASAP WITH THAI/AM TO NEGOTIATE CONTRACT
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 04 BANGKO 07461 081324Z
FOR CONTINUED OPERATION OF UDORN FACILITY FOR FY 75.
FURTHER DISCUSSIONS OF DISPOSAL OF GFE WILL BE DEFERRED
PENDING RECEIPT WASHINGTON GUIDANCE PROMISED REFTEL.
KINTNER

CONFIDENTIAL

NNN

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974BANGKO07461_b.html

Capture Date: 01 JAN 1994 GROUNDS
Channel Indicators: n/a APPROVED <06
Current Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Concepts: POLICIES, AIRLINES, CONTRACTS, BUILDINGS &
Control Number: n/a
Copy: SINGLE
Draft Date: 08 MAY 1974
Decaption Date: 28 MAY 2004
Decaption Note: 25 YEAR REVIEW
Disposition Action: RELEASED
Disposition Approved on Date: n/a
Disposition Authority: GarlanWA
Disposition Case Number: n/a
Disposition Comment: 25 YEAR REVIEW
Disposition Date: 28 MAY 2004
Disposition Event: n/a
Disposition History: n/a
Disposition Reason: n/a
Disposition Remarks: n/a
Document Number: 1974BANGKO07461
Document Source: CORE
Document Unique ID: 00
Drafter: n/a
Enclosure: n/a
Executive Order: GS
Errors: N/A
Film Number: D740111-0890
From: BANGKOK
Handling Restrictions: n/a
Image Path: n/a
ISecure: 1
Legacy Key: link1974/newtext/t19740566/aaaacgto.tel
Line Count: 158
Locator: TEXT ON-LINE, ON MICROFILM
Office: ACTION EA
Original Classification: CONFIDENTIAL
Original Handling Restrictions: LIMDIS
Original Previous Classification: n/a
Original Previous Handling Restrictions: n/a
Page Count: 3
Previous Channel Indicators: n/a
Previous Classification: CONFIDENTIAL
Previous Handling Restrictions: LIMDIS
Reference: STATE 91607
Review Action: RELEASED, APPROVED
Review Authority: GarlanWA
Review Comment: n/a
Review Content Flags: n/a
Review Date: 07 AUG 2002
Review Event: n/a
Review Exemptions: n/a
Review History: RELEASED <07-Aug-2002 by worrelsw>;
FEB 2003 by GarlanWA>
Review Markings: n/a

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974BANGKO07461_b.html

US Department of State Systematic
EO Systematic Review
30 JUN 2005

Review Media Identifier: n/a
Review Referrals: n/a
Review Release Date: n/a
Review Release Event: n/a
Review Transfer Date: n/a
Review Withdrawn Fields: n/a
Secure: OPEN
Status: NATIVE
Subject: AIR AMERICA
TAGS: MARR, MCAP, TH, LA, CB, AIR AMERICA
To: STATE
Type: TE
Markings: Declassified/Released US Department of State EO
Review 30 JUN 2005

Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974STATE101286_b.html

Canonical ID: 1974STATE101286_b
Subject: EQUIPMENT AT UDORN AIR AMERICA FACILITY
From: Department of State
To: Cambodia Phnom Penh, Commander United States Military

Assistance Command Thailand, Commander in Chief US Pacific Command,
DEPCHIEF JUSMAG THAI, Laos Vientiane, Secretary of Defense, Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand Udon Thani
Original Classification: SECRET
Current Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Previous Handling Restrictions: LIMDIS
Archive Status: Electronic Telegrams
Type: TE
Locator: TEXT ON MICROFILM, TEXT ONLINE
Reference(s): A. STATE 091607 DTG 032143Z MAY 74
Executive Order (E.O.): GS
Markings: Declassified/Released US Department of State EO

Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005
Enclosure: -- N/A or Blank --
Concepts: AIR SCHEDULES, AIRLINES, BUILDINGS & GROUNDS,

CONTRACTS, MILITARY BASES, POLICIES
TAGS: Cambodia [CB]
Laos [LA]
Military and Defense Affairs--Military and Defense Arrangements [MARR]
Political Affairs--Military Capabilities [MCAP]
Thailand [TH]
United States [US]
Office: -- N/A or Blank --
Document Character Count: 7320
Date: 1974 May 15, 21:35 (Wednesday)

SECRET

PAGE 01 STATE 101286

73
ORIGIN L-02

INFO OCT-01 SS-14 ISO-00 EA-13 PM-03 NSC-07 NSCE-00

CIAE-00 INR-10 NSAE-00 RSC-01 PRS-01 SP-01 AID-10

/063 R

DRAFTED BY OSD/ISA:JKELLY:L/PM:JMICHEL:DME
APPROVED BY EA/TB:JBDEXTER
OSD/GC:MR. SILBER
SAF/USI:MR. HILBERT
OSD/ISA:MR. DOOLIN
--------------------- 033637
P R 152135Z MAY 74
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO AMEMBASSY BANGKOK PRIORITY
INFO AMEMBASSY VIENTIANE
AMEMBASSY PHNOM PENH

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974STATE101286_b.html

AMCONSUL UDORN
DEPCHIEF JUSMAG THAI
COMUSMACTHAI
CINCPAC
SECDEF

S E C R E T STATE 101286

LIMDIS

E.O. 11652: GDS
TAGS: MARR, MCAP, TH, LA, CB
SUBJECT: EQUIPMENT AT UDORN AIR AMERICA FACILITY

REFS: A. STATE 091607 DTG 032143Z MAY 74

B. COMUSMACTHAI DTG 021055Z MAY 74
C. BANGKOK 7461 DTG 081200Z MAY 74

1. FOLLOWING PROVIDES GUIDANCE (DEVELOPED IN CONSULTATION
WITH DOD) PROMISED IN REF A FOR USE IN DISCUSSIONS WITH
RTG. WE ASSUME THAT QUESTION OF USG PROPERTY AND EQUIP-
SECRET

SECRET

PAGE 02 STATE 101286

MENT AT UDORN CONTINUES TO BE SEPARATED FROM CONTRACT
ISSUE AS INDICATED IN REF B.

2. THE QUESTION OF TRANSFER OF PROPERTY OWNED BY USG OR
CONSTRUCTED AT USG EXPENSE AT UDORN AIR AMERICA FACILITY
APPEARS SUBJECT OF SOME MISUNDERSTANDING AND CONFUSION,
PARTICULARLY REGARDING THE MEANING OF EXPRESSION "GOVERN-
MENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT (GFE)" AS COMMONLY USED IN
AIRCRAFT OVERHAUL AND RELATED ACTIVITIES. IT SHOULD BE
RECOGNIZED THAT THERE ARE THREE DISTINCT KINDS OF
PROPERTY FROM BOTH A PRACTICAL AND LEGAL POINT OF VIEW
AT THE AIR AMERICA FACILITY. THE FIRST CATEGORY IS THE
REAL ESTATE, THAT IS, PERMANENT BUILDINGS AND THE
NECESSARY INSTALLED ITEMS IN THEM SUCH AS PLUMBING, WIRING,
FIXTURES, ETC. THOSE BUILDINGS (WHEN CONSTRUCTED) AND
THE INSTALLED ITEMS, (WHEN INSTALLED), BEING REAL ESTATE,

BECAME PROPERTY OF THE RTG IMMEDIATELY AND USG, OR ITS
AGENTS, HAD ONLY A RIGHT TO USE THEM UNDER THE INFORMAL
RTG CONSENT WHICH PERMITTED US TO BUILD AND INSTALL THEM.
THIS RTG CONSENT WAS NOT EXPRESSLY LIMITED TO AIR AMERICA
AND PRESUMABLY WOULD CONTINUE AND PERMIT US TO TRANSFER
THE RIGHT TO USE OF BUILDINGS AND INSTALLED ITEMS TO SOME
OTHER CONTRACTOR PERFORMING THE FUNCTIONS FOR WHICH, IN
RELIANCE UPON RTG CONSENT, THE USG INVESTED THE REQUIRED
MONEY TO BUILD AND EQUIP THEM WITH INSTALLED ITEMS.

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974STATE101286_b.html

DESPITE THIS, HOWEVER, THEY ARE CLEARLY NOT US PROPERTY
WHICH WE CAN REMOVE OR OTHERWISE DISPOSE OF AT WILL.

3. THE SECOND TYPE OF PROPERTY IS EQUIPMENT IN THE
FACILITY OF A GENERAL NATURE, BUT NOT CONSTITUTING PART OF
THE REAL ESTATE. IN SOME CASES IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT
TO DRAW THE LINE ON WHETHER ITEMS ARE REAL OR PERSONAL
(I.E. RELOCATABLE) PROPERTY. UNLIKE SEWAGE DISPOSAL,
WHICH IS CLEARLY REAL PROPERTY, BOTH WATER AND ELECTRIC
GENERATING CAPABILITY MAY BE EXCESSIVE TO THE GENERAL NEED
IN ORDER TO PROVIDE ASSURED SUPPLY, OR AS OTHER SOURCES
ARE READILY AVAILABLE, MAY NOT BE TRULY NECESSARY AT ALL
AND MAY BE PHYSICALLY REMOVABLE WITHOUT SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE
TO THE BUILDING. FURNITURE, GENERAL PURPOSE TOOLS AND MANY
MANY OTHER ITEMS ARE CLEARLY NOT PART OF THE REAL ESTATE,
SECRET

SECRET

PAGE 03 STATE 101286

BUT ARE ASSETS BOUGHT AND PAID FOR BY USG, ARE PROPERLY
REMOVABLE AT WILL BY USG, AND CAN BE DISPOSED OF BY USG
ONLY AS AUTHORIZED BY US LAW.

4. THE THIRD TYPE OF PROPERTY IS THAT NORMALLY CALLED
GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED EQUIPMENT (GFE) OR GOVERNMENT-
FURNISHED PROPERTY (GFP), WHICH IS SPECIAL TOOLS,
MACHINES, TEST ITEMS, ETC. FREQUENTLY FURNISHED BY THE
GOVERNMENT TO A COMMERCIAL CONTRACTOR FOR HIS USE IN
PERFORMANCE OF A CONTRACT. THEY ARE STRICTLY LOANED TO
FACILITATE PERFORMANCE AND/OR REDUCE COSTS TO USG AND
WILL BE RETURNED TO THE GOVERNMENT ON COMPLETION OF THE
CONTRACT.

5. RECOGNIZING ABOVE DISTINCTIONS, USG, ACTING THROUGH
AN APPROPRIATE GOVERNMENT AGENCY, SHOULD BE ABLE TO PER-
MIT AN ACTIVITY ACCEPTABLE TO THE RTG (PRESUMABLY THAI-
AM) TO OCCUPY THE REAL ESTATE BUILT AND INSTALLED AT
USG EXPENSE AND TO USE THE GENERAL PURPOSE EQUIPMENT,
DESKS, CHAIRS, ETC. BELONGING TO USG AND PRESENT IN THE
FACILITY FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONTINUING THE ACTIVITY
HERETOFORE CARRIED OUT FOR THE USG BY AIR AMERICA. TO
THE EXTENT THAT THE SUCCESSOR OPERATOR REQUIRES THE
SPECIAL TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT ON LOAN TO AIR AMERICA BY

USAF FOR THE CONTINUANCE OF THE WORK HERETOFORE DONE BY
AIR AMERICA ON CONTRACT WITH USAF, THE USAF WILL FURNISH
THAT REQUIRED EQUIPMENT COMMONLY KNOWN AS GFE AND NOW ON
HAND IN THE PLANT, TOGETHER WITH ANY OTHER EQUIPMENT
NEEDED FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF THE CONTRACT. WHEN THE
USG CEASES TO NEED THE FACILITY, THE REAL ESTATE ALREADY
OWNED BY THE RTG REVERTS TO THEM. THE SECOND CATEGORY
OF ITEMS WOULD THEN BE REVIEWED TO DETERMINE THE USG'S
NEED FOR THEM ELSEWHERE AND THEIR ECONOMIC VALUE. IN

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974STATE101286_b.html

CASES WHERE PROPERTY IS FOUND TO BE EXCESS, AND EITHER
DETERMINED TO HAVE NO COMMERCIAL VALUE OR WHERE COSTS
OF PRESERVING IT FOR OTHER USG USE EXCEED ITS VALUE, IT
COULD BE ABANDONED OR DONATED TO THE RTG (SEE 6 FAM
233.1A, 233.2B, 233.5-5, 233.11B). ON THE TERMINATION
OF THE CONTRACT THE LOAN OF THE GFE WOULD CEASE AND IT
WOULD BE REMOVED TO A POINT OF NEED EXCEPT FOR ANY ITEMS
SECRET

SECRET

PAGE 04 STATE 101286

EXCESS TO THE NEEDS OF USG. EXCESS ITEMS COULD BE AVAIL-
ABLE TO RTG TO THE SAME EXTENT AS ANY OTHER EXCESS ITEMS
GENERATED THROUGH BASE CLOSURES.

6. IF THE ABOVE IS UNDERSTOOD, WE BELIEVE CONSIDERABLE
CONFUSION CAN BE ELIMINATED, PARTICULARLY IF IT IS
RECOGNIZED THAT IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR US TO ARBITRARILY
DECLARE ITEMS EXCESS WHEN, AT LEAST IN THE CASE OF THE
GFE, THERE IS LIKELY TO BE A NEED ELSEWHERE AND THE ITEMS
ARE EXPENSIVE ENOUGH TO WARRANT THE COST OF THEIR REMOVAL
TO MEET THAT NEED. WE DOUBT THAT ANY APPRECIABLE AMOUNT
OF THE GFE WOULD BE AVAILABLE A5 EXCESS AND, THEREFORE,
WOULD NOT BE TRANSFERABLE.

7. EXCESS USG OWNED GENERAL PURPOSE PROPERTY AND GFE
HAVING VALUE PRECLUDING ITS DONATION TO RTG OR ABANDON-
MENT COULD BE SOLD TO RTG OR MADE SUBJECT OF GRANTS UNDER
APPROPRIATE FOREIGN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

8. YOU MAY ASSURE RTG THAT GFE NOW HELD BY AIR AMERICA
CAN CONTINUE TO BE MADE AVAILABLE AS GFE TO THAI-AM OR
OTHER THAI ENTITY WHICH ASSUMES UDORN MAINTENANCE OPERA-
TION FOR AS LONG AS CONTRACTUAL REQUIREMENT FOR GFE
EXISTS. YOU MAY WISH TO POINT OUT THAT THAI-AM HAS
EXPERIENCED NO DIFFICULTIES WITH GFE USED IN CONNECTION
WITH CURRENT CONTRACTS AT DON MUANG.

9. IN ANY DISCUSSIONS WITH RTG CONCERNING POSSIBLE
TRANSFER OF EQUIPMENT AT AIR AMERICA UDORN FACILITY OR FOR
THAT MATTER AT ANY OTHER U.S. TENANTED BASE AFFECTED BY
FORCE REDUCTIONS AND BASE CLOSE-OUTS, EMBASSY SHOULD
CAREFULLY OBSERVE DISTINCTION BETWEEN EXCESS AND NON-
EXCESS PROPERTY. EMBASSY SHOULD AVOID SUGGESTING TO RTG

WILLINGNESS ON OUR PART TO TRANSFER ASSETS WHICH MAY
HAVE "COMMERCIAL OR BASE MAINTENANCE UTILITY" TO THE
RTG. REFERRING TO ITEMS OF BASE MAINTENANCE UTILITY
COULD BE INTERPRETED AS EQUIPMENT OF VERY SUBSTANTIAL
VALUE WHICH WOULD BE BEYOND WHAT HAS BEEN CONTEMPLATED
IN TERMS OF EQUIPMENT TRANSFERS, AND IS UNLIKELY TO
SURVIVE SCREENING PROCESS.
SECRET

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974STATE101286_b.html

SECRET
PAGE 05 STATE 101286
10, GFE QUESTION ASIDE, YOU MAY POINT OUT TO RTG THAT
FIXED PROPERTY AND UTILITY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS AT UDORN
FACILITY WOULD REVERT TO RTG AT SUCH TIME AS USG HAS NO
FURTHER REQUIREMENT FOR THESE FACILITIES. RUSH
SECRET

NNN

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974STATE101286_b.html

Capture Date: 01 JAN 1994

Channel Indicators: n/a

Current Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

Concepts: POLICIES, AIRLINES, CONTRACTS, AIR SCHEDULES, BUILDINGS &

GROUNDS, MILITARY BASES

Control Number: n/a

Copy: SINGLE

Draft Date: 15 MAY 1974

Decaption Date: 28 MAY 2004

Decaption Note: 25 YEAR REVIEW

Disposition Action: RELEASED

Disposition Approved on Date: n/a

Disposition Authority: GarlanWA

Disposition Case Number: n/a

Disposition Comment: 25 YEAR REVIEW

Disposition Date: 28 MAY 2004

Disposition Event: n/a

Disposition History: n/a

Disposition Reason: n/a

Disposition Remarks: n/a

Document Number: 1974STATE101286

Document Source: CORE

Document Unique ID: 00

Drafter: JKELLY:L/PM:JMICHEL:DME

Enclosure: n/a

Executive Order: GS

Errors: N/A

Film Number: D740120-0210

From: STATE

Handling Restrictions: n/a

Image Path: n/a

ISecure: 1

Legacy Key: link1974/newtext/t19740545/aaaabnnd.tel

Line Count: 206

Locator: TEXT ON-LINE, ON MICROFILM

Office: ORIGIN L

Original Classification: SECRET

Original Handling Restrictions: LIMDIS

Original Previous Classification: n/a

Original Previous Handling Restrictions: n/a

Page Count: 4

Previous Channel Indicators: n/a

Previous Classification: SECRET

Previous Handling Restrictions: LIMDIS

Reference: A. STATE 091607 DTG 032143Z MAY 74

Review Action: RELEASED, APPROVED

Review Authority: GarlanWA

Review Comment: n/a

Review Content Flags: n/a

Review Date: 20 FEB 2003

Review Event: n/a

Review Exemptions: n/a

Review History: WITHDRAWN <29 JUL 2002 by cunninfx, REFER TO

USIA>; RELEASED <20 FEB 2003 by GarlanWA>; APPROVED <20

FEB 2003

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974STATE101286_b.html

by GarlanWA> Systematic
Review Markings: n/a

US Department of State
EO Systematic Review
30 JUN 2005

Review Media Identifier: n/a
Review Referrals: n/a
Review Release Date: n/a
Review Release Event: n/a
Review Transfer Date: n/a
Review Withdrawn Fields: n/a
Secure: OPEN
Status: NATIVE
Subject: EQUIPMENT AT UDORN AIR AMERICA FACILITY
TAGS: MARR, MCAP, TH, LA, CB, US, AIR AMERICA
To: BANGKOK
Type: TE
Markings: Declassified/Released US Department of State EO
Review 30 JUN 2005

Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974BANGKO10858_b.html

Canonical ID: 1974BANGKO10858_b
Subject: CLOSE OUT OF AIR AMERICA OPERATIONS IN THAILAND
From: Thailand Bangkok
To: Cambodia Phnom Penh, Commander in Chief US Pacific Command,

Department of State, Laos Vientiane, Secretary of State, Thailand Udon
Thani
Original Classification: SECRET
Current Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Previous Handling Restrictions: -- N/A or Blank --
Archive Status: Electronic Telegrams
Type: TE
Locator: TEXT ON MICROFILM, TEXT ONLINE
Reference(s): n/a
Executive Order (E.O.): GS
Markings: Declassified/Released US Department of State EO

Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005
Enclosure: -- N/A or Blank --
Concepts: AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE, AIRLINES, CONTRACTS, JOINT

VENTURES, MILITARY AIRCRAFT, MILITARY BASES, PERSONNEL
TAGS: Economic Affairs--Transportation Policies [ETRN]
Thailand [TH]
United States [US]
Office: -- N/A or Blank --
Document Character Count: 2843
Date: 1974 July 3, 08:27 (Wednesday)

SECRET

PAGE 01 BANGKO 10858 031417Z

63-62
ACTION EA-14

INFO OCT-01 ISO-00 CIAE-00 DODE-00 PM-07 H-03 INR-10 L-03

NSAE-00 NSC-07 PA-04 RSC-01 PRS-01 SP-03 SS-20

USIA-15 COME-00 EB-11 LAB-06 SIL-01 DRC-01 /108 W
--------------------- 125709
R 030827Z JUL 74
FM AMEMBASSY BANGKOK
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 4759
INFO CINCPAC
AMEMBASSY PHNOM PENH
AMEMBASSY VIENTIANE
AMCONSUL UDORN

S E C R E T BANGKOK 10858

E.O. 11652: GDS
TAGS: ETRN, TH
SUBJECT: CLOSE OUT OF AIR AMERICA OPERATIONS IN THAILAND

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974BANGKO10858_b.html

1. AIR AMERICA SPOKESMAN IN BANGKOK TOLD THE PRESS JULY 1
THAT AIR AMERICA IN THAILAND HAD "CLOSED UP SHOP," WITH THE
EXCEPTION OF A SMALL ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE TO COMPLETE FINAL
DETAILS, ACCORDING TO BANGKOK POST.

2. MR. PAUL VELTE, MANAGING DIRECTOR FROM AIR AMERICA HEAD-
QUARTERS IN WASHINGTON CALLED ON THE AMBASSADOR JULY 2 TO
CONFIRM SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION OF UDORN MAINTENANCE FACILITY
FROM AIR AMERICA TO THAI AM, EFFECTIVE MIDNIGHT JUNE 30.
THAI EMPLOYEES WERE GIVEN FULL SEPARATION PAYMENTS BY CHECK
JUNE 30, INCLUDING INCREASED SEVERANCE PAY IN ACCORDANCE WITH
RTG JUNE 14 AMENDMENTS TO LABOR LAW IN SETTLEMENT OF RECENT
TEXTILE STRIKE. THAI AM PLANS TO TAKE FOUR-DAY BREAK JULY 4-7
TO CATCH ITS BREATH, BUT VELTE EXPECTS OPERATION TO RESUME
JULY 8 WITHOUT ANY OBVIOUS HITCHES.

3. AS OF TODAY, 71 AMERICAN EMPLOYEES AND THIRD COUNTRY
NATIONALS (TCNS) REMAIN ON AIR AMERICA PAYROLL IN UDORN
SECRET

SECRET

PAGE 02 BANGKO 10858 031417Z

TO EASE THE TRANSITION. VELTE EXPECTS HALF OF THESE TO
LEAVE BY AUGUST 1 AND BULK OF REMAINDER IN EARLY
AUGUST. LAST AIR AMERICA EMPLOYEES ATTACHED TO BANGKOK
OFFICE SCHEDULED TO LEAVE NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 28.

4. TO DATE ONLY A FEW US EMPLOYEES HAVE ACCEPTED THAI AM
TERMS, BUT NEGOTIATIONS WITH INDIVIDUALS ARE APPARENTLY
CONTINUING. THIS AM IS CLEARLY RELUCTANT TO HIRE TCNS
AND IS CONTINUING TO SEARCH FOR QUALIFIED THAI CITIZENS
AT THE SAME TIME THAT THEY ARE MAKING TENTATIVE OFFERS
TO AIR AMERICA TCNS. AS FOR THAI EMPLOYEES, VELTE
OPINED THAT THAI AM BANGKOK SALARY SCHEDULES NOW INSTRODUCED
AT UDORN ARE ADEQUATELY COMPARABLE TO AIR AMERICA WAGES
SO THAT ADJUSTMENT WILL NOT CAUSE LABOR PROBLEMS.

5. WORKLOAD AT TIME OF TRANSITION WAS VERY LOW, APPARENTLY
BECAUSE OF CONSCIOUS WITHHOLDING OF DEFERABLE MAINTENANCE
AND REPAIR JOBS PRIOR TO TRANSFER OF FACILITY. VELTE URGED
PROMPT ACTION BE TAKEN TO CONFIRM MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
UNDER FY75 CONTRACT TO PROVIDE THAI AM WITH ESSENTIAL BASIS
FOR FORWARD PLANNING.

6. AMBASSADOR CONGRATULATED VELTE ON SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION
OF TURNOVER ARRANGEMENTS, RECALLING SERIOUS CONCERN TWO
MONTHS AGO THAT DEADLINE COULD NOT BE MET. EMBASSY
CONSIDERS VELTE DESERVES GREAT CREDIT FOR ACCOMPLISHING
THIS TASK IN INTEREST OF USG WHILE AVOIDING NUMEROUS
PITFALLS INHERENT IN SITUATION.
KINTNER

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974BANGKO10858_b.html

SECRET
NNN

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974BANGKO10858_b.html

Capture Date: 01 JAN 1994 VENTURES,
Channel Indicators: n/a APPROVED <20
Current Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Concepts: MILITARY AIRCRAFT, PERSONNEL, AIRLINES, JOINT
CONTRACTS, AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE, MILITARY BASES
Control Number: n/a
Copy: SINGLE
Draft Date: 03 JUL 1974
Decaption Date: 01 JAN 1960
Decaption Note: n/a
Disposition Action: RELEASED
Disposition Approved on Date: n/a
Disposition Authority: shawdg
Disposition Case Number: n/a
Disposition Comment: 25 YEAR REVIEW
Disposition Date: 28 MAY 2004
Disposition Event: n/a
Disposition History: n/a
Disposition Reason: n/a
Disposition Remarks: n/a
Document Number: 1974BANGKO10858
Document Source: CORE
Document Unique ID: 00
Drafter: n/a
Enclosure: n/a
Executive Order: GS
Errors: N/A
Film Number: D740177-0449
From: BANGKOK
Handling Restrictions: n/a
Image Path: n/a
ISecure: 1
Legacy Key: link1974/newtext/t19740779/aaaacphc.tel
Line Count: 89
Locator: TEXT ON-LINE, ON MICROFILM
Office: ACTION EA
Original Classification: SECRET
Original Handling Restrictions: n/a
Original Previous Classification: n/a
Original Previous Handling Restrictions: n/a
Page Count: 2
Previous Channel Indicators: n/a
Previous Classification: SECRET
Previous Handling Restrictions: n/a
Reference: n/a
Review Action: RELEASED, APPROVED
Review Authority: shawdg
Review Comment: n/a
Review Content Flags: n/a
Review Date: 10 JUL 2002
Review Event: n/a
Review Exemptions: n/a
Review History: RELEASED <10 JUL 2002 by boyleja>;
FEB 2003 by shawdg>
Review Markings: n/a

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974BANGKO10858_b.html

US Department of State Systematic
EO Systematic Review
30 JUN 2005

Review Media Identifier: n/a
Review Referrals: n/a
Review Release Date: n/a
Review Release Event: n/a
Review Transfer Date: n/a
Review Withdrawn Fields: n/a
Secure: OPEN
Status: NATIVE
Subject: CLOSE OUT OF AIR AMERICA OPERATIONS IN THAILAND
TAGS: ETRN, TH, US, AIR AMERICA, THAI AM
To: STATE
Type: TE
Markings: Declassified/Released US Department of State EO
Review 30 JUN 2005

Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)

http://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974DANANG00410_b.html

Canonical ID: 1974DANANG00410_b
Subject: AIR AMERICA HELICOPTER DAMAGED BY GUNFIRE
From: AMCOSUL DANANG, Vietnam Đà Nẵng
To: Secretary of State, Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City
Original Classification: LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
Current Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Previous Handling Restrictions: -- N/A or Blank --
Archive Status: Electronic Telegrams
Type: TE
Locator: TEXT ON MICROFILM, TEXT ONLINE
Reference(s): n/a
Executive Order (E.O.): -- N/A or Blank --
Markings: Declassified/Released US Department of State EO

Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005
Enclosure: -- N/A or Blank --
Concepts: COMBAT CASUALTIES, HELICOPTERS
TAGS: Military and Defense Affairs--General [MILI]
Political Affairs--Internal Security [PINS]
South Vietnam [VS]
Office: -- N/A or Blank --
Document Character Count: 1968
Date: 1974 September 16, 04:05 (Monday)

LIMITED OFFICIAL USE

PAGE 01 DANANG 00410 160426Z

21
ACTION EA-14

INFO OCT-01 ISO-00 CIAE-00 DODE-00 PM-07 H-03 INR-11 L-03

NSAE-00 NSC-07 PA-04 RSC-01 PRS-01 SP-03 SS-20 OMB-01

AID-20 NSCE-00 SSO-00 USIE-00 INRE-00 SCCT-02 DRC-01

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O R 160405Z SEP 74
FM AMCOSUL DANANG
TO AMEMBASSY SAIGON IMMEDIATE
INFO SECSTATE WASHDC 0249

LIMITED OFFICIAL USE DANANG 0410

E.O. 11652: N/A
TAGS: MILI, PINS, VS
SUBJECT: AIR AMERICA HELICOPTER DAMAGED BY GUNFIRE

1. AN AIR AMERICA HELICOPTER FLYING FOR THE THUA THIEN/QUANG
TRI PROVINCIAL OFFICE WAS HIT BY SEVERAL ROUNDS (ESTIMATED
AT 5) SMALL ARMS FIRE, BELIEVED TO BE AK 47, AT 0850