File No. 862.85/106
The Chargé in Siam ( Arnold) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2.40 p.m.]
Your telegram of July 31, 6 p.m. British Government has requested all nine seized German boats, saying that as her loss of ships sunk is greatest her need for the boats is paramount. French Government desires that the seized boats be apportioned along the same lines as the Portuguese seizures. Japanese Government has asked for an apportionment. In an interview, Minister for Foreign Affairs requested me to communicate to my Government that if it is interested in the seized German boats to confer with the Allied Governments regarding their disposition, as Siam will accept their final decision for their disposal. The British, French, and Japanese Ministers have referred the question to their respective home Governments for settlement as an agreement was found impossible in Siam.