The West's maneuvers to counter the disintegration in Laos last week were largely diplomatic. In London, British Foreign Secretary Lord Home called on Russiaco-administrator with Britain of the Geneva accordsto sign a joint appeal that the feuding forces in Laos end their fighting. Fearful that such peace talk would nudge Asian Communist revolutionaries still closer to rival Red China and its "hard line," Russia refused, unless the statement specifically blamed the U.S. for undermining the peace in Laos. Britain vetoed the suggestion.
President Kennedy hustled Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs...