support of the Government of the United States. That Government, which constantly repeats that it is the sincere friend of the peoples of Latin America, did not for an instant hesitate to give arms to Great Britain to kill Latin Americans, or to betray its regional agree- ments by aligning itself with Great Britain, its principal ally, against Argentina. The mediation mission of the United States Secretary of State, Mr. Alexander Haig, was doomed to failure precisely because of its policy of applying a double standard. 81, If ever the question of Gibralter were to be on the agenda, we should have no doubt about the posi- tion that the Government of the United States would take in that regard. It would certainly sacrifice its second-class ally for the benefit of its first-class ally. That is the nature of American imperialism. That is the way-and the only way-that the United States will conduct its foreign policy. We should not be surprised at this turn-about on the part of the imperialists when their vital interests are threatened. 82. The Lao people, like all the peoples of Asia, Africa and Latin America that have attained national independence by armed struggle against colonialism and imperialism, know perfectly well the cost of war and of peace. That is why the military escalation so resolutely carried out by Great Britain has aroused my Government’s grave concern about the incalcu- lable effects ‘it could have on peace and security in the region and the world. Accordingly, it has launched an appeal, contained in the statement by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of 12 May, which reads as follows: “The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic vigorously con- demns the threatening and aggressive acts of the British Government, supported by the United States of America, and demands that it immediately 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a political statement or a diplomatic document, discussing the foreign policy of the United States and its allies, specifically in the context of the Falklands War. It critiques the US government's actions and motivations, highlighting the perceived hypocrisy and imperialism of its foreign policy. The language used is formal and diplomatic, suggesting a high-level official document or a statement from a government ministry.

**Category**
International trade, Humanitarian aid and relief