449. Telegram From the Embassy in Thailand to the Department of State0
1965. Eyes only Secretary. Deptel 1898 and Embtel 1918.1 After visiting US troops here in the field for the second time June 7 and 81 am satisfied [Page 943] that their living conditions are acceptable if austere and on the whole not appreciably more difficult than in the field elsewhere, including many parts of CONUS. This is friendly country with no major health or security hazards barring actual combat if each person takes proper care.
On negative side, northeast Thailand is remote, underdeveloped rural area offering few diversions. Physical conditions vary from hot and dusty in dry season to hot and muddy in rainy season, now just beginning. There is some hazard from disease such as malaria and dysentery; poisonous snakes and leeches are encountered; insects abound. Patrols or training exercises in forests or jungle will be rough and tough. Terrain for most part is flat, but frequently flooded and covered with thick growth. Only negative factor on human side is Communist propaganda, mainly in form of radio broadcasts and whispering campaigns, attempting put US troops in worst light, sow suspicion, confusion, discord. But so far no overt evidence of Commie infiltration or incitements to attacks on individual Americans.
Under these conditions, living in field and engaging in strenuous field exercises is no picnic. On other hand, troops are well equipped, well supplied with American foods and PX goods, and well-officered under very competent leadership. Thais from top through local officials to general population have received our men in outstandingly cordial, friendly and cooperative spirit. In most areas where our troops now located, American GI is no stranger. He has been in Korat and Ubol before on SEATO military exercises; in Udorn he operated helicopter lift for Laos several months last year. Thais remember him as generous, friendly, responsive and willing to lend a hand. They welcome him back. They are respectful, interested in him, ready to help or trade, happy and relaxed with him in their midst. This has buoyed troop morale. Americans again are responding in typical easy manner but with care and tact. Every officer and enlisted man I have met has told me how impressed and grateful he is for Thai friendliness. Evidently it contrasts somewhat with his experience elsewhere.
Prospects on balance are for maintaining present favorable situation. Of course, rainy season, rigorous training, fading of novelty, different basic cultural values, attraction of less desirable commercial and professional elements to camp areas; and covert Communist action (propaganda among simple rural people, infiltrated agitators) may give rise to discontent, frictions and incidents. However, everyone in authority here, American and Thai, military and civilian, fully aware of problem and taking every precaution.
All major aspects of impact of troops on Thailand subject to joint Thai-American scrutiny and cooperative action: procurement of supplies to avoid disrupting local economy; selection of gun and training sites; security; joint training; public relations; civic action; incidents [Page 944] involving Americans and Thais; etc. Local joint Thai-American committees for community relations already are operating with outstanding success to date. Plans being laid for recreational activities including mutual entertainment programs. Civic action projects by troops, already under way (medical treatment for Thais, help to level school yard, erect market area, put out fire) will soon go into high gear along lines of friendship program suggested by King. Continuous training will help keep men active and alert.
Our main problem will include effects of boredom, staleness, Communist propaganda and homesickness. Working closely with Thais I believe we can readily cope with them here; however, should troops remain over protracted period some scheme of rotation may be necessary.
In conclusion would like to stress that living conditions, while rough and requiring considerable adjustment on part of men, are not unmanageable. Worth noting that Army Battle Group after two months’ field experience in Thailand has successfully overcome all obstacles and is in fine shape. Officers feel “Wolfhounds” getting along as well or even better here than in Hawaii. There have been no major incidents, to date.
We have excellent assets here: superb cooperation from Thai officials; what I believe to be outstanding American military leadership from Gen. Harkins and his commanders down to the many bright; self-confident and knowledgeable non-coms with whom I have spoken in the field; competence and experience of our USIS officers at Korat, Udorn and Ubol who have been exceptionally helpful to the military; basic friendliness and tolerance of Thai population. I am confident that with care and foresight on the part of all concerned US troops will make out all right in Thailand.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 792.5411/6–1162. Top Secret; Priority↩
- In telegram 1898 to Bangkok; June 2, the Department of State informed Young: “The President would appreciate receiving your own firsthand observations and impressions of living conditions now, and likely to confront our forces in Thailand, particularly in the rainy season.” (Ibid., 792.5411/6–262) In telegram 1918 from Bangkok, June 4, Young promised his assessment after he made an inspection trip to the U.S. Marine Battle Group. (Ibid.)↩