447. Telegram From the Embassy in Thailand to the Department of State0
1808. Saigon pass COMUSMACTHAI. Reference: Department telegram 1810.1 I saw Sarit 0900 today and informed him several times in strong language highest authority of US considers it absolutely essential that RTG quickly accept force contributions offered by their SEATO partners, specifically Australian, New Zealand and UK offers now outstanding. I stressed political importance of immediate tangible demonstration alliance solidarity from standpoint world, US and Thai public opinion.
Sarit replied he fully understood important political aspects and within next two or three days would reach agreement (and immediately publish it) on acceptance outstanding Australian, New Zealand and UK offers of assistance. At my request, he agreed I could so inform President today
He added that there would be further discussion of actual composition of these forces to insure they fit into overall picture as well as possible [Page 940] (and at this point Marshal Tawee [Daweel] mentioned engineers would be particularly welcome). When I pressed point on need having forces arrive promptly Sarit agreed that aircraft, particularly transports, and some paratroops could come immediately after reaching agreement.
Thanat and Sarit concerned now over formula of acceptance and correct terminology for them. They insisted RTG will not be placed in position of “requesting” token forces and will not use term “request” in official or public communications. They want agreement based on fully mutual and equal terms. They expressed disappointment over repeated US press ref to “Thai request.” However they said that formula employed with us, namely mutual consultation—Thai invitation—joint agreement, should be used also with others. I stated they should use at least this formula and urged public announcements be issued today or tomorrow. Sarit and Thanat replied they would issue statements as soon as agreements completed with each govt in next two or three days.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 792.00/5–2162. Secret; Niact. Repeated priority to Canberra, London, Wellington, and Saigon and to CINCPACPOLAD, Karachi, Manila, and Paris. A copy was sent to William Bundy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.↩
- Telegram 1810, May 19, instructed the Embassy to inform Thanat “that USG considers it absolutely essential that Thais accept force contributions offered by their SEATO partners.” (Ibid., 792.00/5–1962)↩