Cambodian premier calls for opposition to French return
7 October 1945. During a cabinet meeting In Phnom Penh, Son Ngoc Thanh supports armed resistance and suggests the evacuation of Phnom Penh if the French return in force. At this point, if not before, his cabinet loses confidence in his judgment
‘Red Prince’ returns to Laos
7 October 1945. Prince Souphanouvong arrives in Savannakhet from Hué with a Viet Minh escort. He is warmly welcomed by the Viet Kieu militia forces but less enthusiastically by local Lao Issara forces; they seek to preserve their own political control. Next day he proceeds to Thakhek, where he creates the Liberation and Defence Army. A Committee of Independent Laos is created on the same day with the Red Prince as President and Phetsarath as honorary chairman.