beginning during the same time frame ( and expanding throughout the conflict ) the operation became Becoming increasingly involved in providing Supply close air support missions for royal lao armed forces , unk tribal mercenaries , and thai volunteer defense corps in a covert ground war in northern and northeastern laos .

the unk treaty of amity and association ( signed Sign_agreement 22 october 1953 ) transferred Giving remaining french powers to the royal lao government ( except control Control of military affairs ) , establishing Creating laos as an independent member of the french union .