Sisouk's marriage
A confidential cable from chargé d'affaires John Dean to the State Department
The US department declassified on June 30, 2005 the communication from US chargé d’affaires John Dean to the State Department about the marriage of then Defense Minister Sisouk Na Champassak with Chao Marina Rangsy, niece of the late King Savang Vatthana.
John Gunther Dean (February 24, 1926 – June 6, 2019) served as a political officer in Vientiane, Laos from 1956–1958 and as Deputy Chief of Mission from 1972-1974 1. The cable shows how life events are scrutinized with a political lens, weddings were not about romance but alliances. The cables also show that Tehran was still an ally, in fact every flight to Paris stopped in Tehran for refueling. I still remember my flight leaving Laos back in 1975, we were stranded on the tarmac for almost a day, unable to get out, while the authorities were checking what to do with this first batch of refugees fleeing Laos for France.
The cable dated December 1973 written by Dean to Monteagle Stearns, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs reads:
“1. We have learned that the King has approved and set Date of February 27 for the wedding of Sisouk and tiao Marina Rangsy, daughter of Palace SecGen Soupantarangsi, and full niece of the King. Boun Oum will reportedly visit Luang Prabang within next few weeks to formally petition for Marina's hand in marriage.
2. The wedding has not yet been announced and at this stage is being closely held, but I thought that you and Ambassador Godley would like to know. We will keep you informed as to when congratulations, gifts, etc., can be sent.
3. Apart from the romance involved, this match should considerably strengthen Sisouk's political Position.
Dean”
Later on January 8, 1974, a cable written to Ambassador Richard Helm (Director of Central Intelligence until February 2, 1973 and then ambassador to Iran from 1973-1977) informed:
Greetings from Laos.
Rlg2 Minister of Finance and delégué for defense, Sisouk. Na Champassak will be married at the Royal Capital in Luang Prabang on 27 February. Assume that you and your Lady may Not be able to accept the invitation to attend the wedding which will be sent to you in due course. Nevertheless, Sisouk wanted you to know of his plans. His fiancee is Princess Marina Rangsy, daughter of Palace Secretary General Soupantarangsi And niece of King Savang. The marriage will have a political overtone because it will tie the Na Champassak family from South laos to the Royal family in North Laos.
Sisouk's fiancee is a lovely and very talented young lady. The newlywed will go to Europe on their honeymoon. They are tentatively scheduled to arrive at Tehran on 6 March and depart from there on the 10th or 11th of March. They will stay at Isfahan for two to three days between 7 or 8 and 10 March. Reservations have been requested at the Hilton in Tehran. Sisouk asked that I advise you of his forthcoming wedding. He would welcome an opportunity to see you during their brief stay at Tehran and would like to play a game of tennis with you if your schedule permits.
Trust that you are enjoying your assignment and life in Tehran. Hugh told me that he recently spoke with you while in transit. He regretted that time and circumstances did not permet an opportunity to see you. You old associates will never forget your leadership and wish you the very best, professionally and personally. Keep up the good fight. Warm personal regards, Sincerely.
More about Chao Sisouk Na Champassak and Tiao Marina Rangsy can be found in my book: A Lao Wedding (www.alaowedding.com)
Ambassador Dean played a key role in the region. He returned to the region in 1970 first in Vietnam as Deputy for CORDS to the Commander of the 24th Corps with headquarters in Denang, Vietnam. From 1972–1974 he was the deputy chief of mission/Chargé d'affaires in Vientiane, Laos. He is credited for having helped the establishment of a coalition government which saved thousands of lives after the Fall of Saigon in 1975. Dean was appointed Ambassador to Cambodia in March 1974 and he served in that posting until the Embassy was closed and all American personnel were evacuated on 12 April 1975, five days before the Khmer Rouge entered Phnom Penh. His obituary in the Washington Post narrates how he was haunted by the US departure until his death https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/john-gunther-dean-ambassador-haunted-by-us-departure-from-cambodia-dies-at-93/2019/06/11/22640ec8-8c53-11e9-b08e-cfd89bd36d4e_story.html
RLG: Royal Lao Government