1. Increased Difficulty for North Vietnam:
Closing the Laos-Vietnam border would have further restricted North Vietnam's ability to receive supplies and reinforcements from its allies, including the Soviet Union and China. The Ho Chi Minh Trail, which ran through Laos and Cambodia, served as a vital supply route for North Vietnam. Without access to this route, North Vietnam's military efforts in South Vietnam would have been severely hindered.
2. Impact on the Pathet Lao:
The Pathet Lao, a communist movement in Laos, relied on support from North Vietnam during the war. The closure of the border would have weakened the Pathet Lao and potentially allowed the Royal Lao Government, supported by the United States, to gain an advantage in the Laotian Civil War.
3. Potential Escalation of the War:
The closure of the Laos-Vietnam border could have prompted North Vietnam to take more aggressive actions to secure its supply lines. This might have led to increased fighting in Laos and even potential military clashes between North Vietnam and the United States, which had a strong presence in South Vietnam and was also providing support to the Royal Lao Government.
4. Diplomatic Consequences:
The decision to close the Laos-Vietnam border would likely have had diplomatic repercussions. It could have strained relations between Laos and Vietnam, as well as between Laos and the United States and its allies. The international community might have perceived the border closure as an escalation of the conflict and a departure from previous attempts at finding a diplomatic solution.
5. Economic Impact on Laos:
The closure of the border would have disrupted trade and economic activities between Laos and Vietnam, negatively affecting the economies of both countries. Laos, in particular, would have lost a significant source of revenue from trade and transit fees.
In summary, closing the Laos-Vietnam border during the Vietnam War would have had far-reaching consequences, altering the dynamics of the conflict and potentially leading to increased tensions and disruption in the region.