Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXVII, Mainland Southeast Asia; Regional Affairs
Thailand: Document List
Document 264: Editorial Note
Document 265: Memorandum From Michael V. Forrestal of the National Security Council Staff to the President's Special Assistant for National Security Affairs (Bundy)
Washington, March 2, 1964.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Thailand, Vol. I, Memos, 11/63–11/64. Secret.
Document 266: Letter From the Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Hilsman) to the Ambassador to Thailand (Martin)
Washington, March 2, 1964.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 26 THAI. Secret; Official-Informal. Drafted by Pickering on February 28.
Document 267: Letter From the Ambassador to Thailand (Martin) to the Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Bundy)
Bangkok, March 19, 1964.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 26 THAI. Secret; Official-Informal.
Document 268: Telegram From the Embassy in Thailand to the Department of State
Bangkok, May 4, 1964, 2 p.m.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 6 US. Top Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Repeated to Vientiane and CINCPAC for POLAD. Passed to the White House.
Document 269: Letter From the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (Solbert) to Michael V. Forrestal of the National Security Council Staff
Washington, May 16, 1964.
Source: Washington National Records Center, RG 330, OASD/ISA Files: FRC 68 A 4023, 320.2 Thailand. Top Secret. Drafted by P.R. Knaur of DOD/ISA. Copies sent to Harriman, McGeorge Bundy, and William Bundy.
Document 270: Paper Prepared by Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Bundy)
Washington, May 23, 1964.
Source: Department of State, Bundy Files: Lot 85 D 240, Special Papers, April/June 1964. Secret. Bundy prepared this paper for an Executive Committee meeting of the National Security Council to be held on May 24. For a record of the discussion at the EXCOM meeting, during which the issue of troops to Thailand was not raised, see Foreign Relations, 1964–1968, vol. I, Document 172.
Document 271: Memorandum From the Deputy Director, Far East Region (Loftus) to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (McNaugton)
Washington, May 30, 1964.
Source: Washington National Records Center, RG 330, OASD/ISA Files: FRC 68 A 306, Thailand 000.1—091.3. Secret.
Document 272: Telegram From Secretary of State Rusk to the Department of State
Bangkok, May 31, 1964, 9 a.m.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 1 ASIA SE–US. Secret; Immediate; Limdis. Repeated to Vientiane, Saigon, CINCPAC for POLAD, London, Paris, and New Delhi. Passed to the White House. Rusk was in Bangkok for less than a day on May 30 en route from New Delhi and Saigon to the Honolulu Conference.
Document 273: Memorandum for the Record
Honolulu, June 1, 1964.
Source: Department of Defense, JCS Official Records, 9510 (1 June 64). Top Secret. The meeting in Honolulu, June 1–2, was primarily to discuss Vietnam and was attended by 55 people including the top civilian and military advisers. This is a record of the Opening Plenary Session of the Honolulu meetings. Certain portions of the plenary session on Vietnam are printed in Foreign Relations, 1964–1968, vol. I, Document 187.
Document 274: Telegram From the Embassy in Thailand to the Department of State
Bangkok, June 10, 1964, 5 p.m.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 1 ASIA SE–US. Secret; Exdis.
Document 275: Telegram From the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the Commander in Chief, Pacific (Felt)
Washington, June 17, 1964.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Vietnam, Southeast Asia, Vol. III, Memos A, 6/14–8/14. Top Secret. Drafted by Colonel H.H. Reichner of JCS (J–5) and released by D.C. Flickinger, Deputy Director, Implementation Division, JCS.
Document 276: Memorandum From the Joint Chiefs of Staff to Secretary of Defense McNamara
Washington, June 18, 1964.
Source: Washington National Records Center, RG 330, OASD/ISA Files: FRC 68 A 4023, Thailand 000.1—(092 Thailand), 1964. Top Secret.
Document 277: Letter From President Johnson to Prime Minister Thanom Kittikachorn
Washington, June 18, 1964.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Thailand, Vol. V, 10/66–2/67. Secret. This letter was transmitted to Bangkok in telegram 2315, June 19, and was drafted by Pickering, cleared by Trueheart, William Bundy, McGeorge Bundy, and Rusk. (Department of State, Central Files, POL 1 ASIA SE–US)
Document 278: Memorandum From Director of the Joint Staff (Burchinal) to the Acting Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (LeMay)
Washington, June 22, 1964.
Source: Department of Defense, JCS Official Files, 9155.2 (8 May 1964) Top Secret. Prepared by Captain H.S. Jackson, USN, Pacific Division, Joint Staff.
Document 279: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, July 24, 1964, 6:15 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Thailand, Vol. I, Memos, 11/63–11/64. Secret; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Pickering. The meeting took place at the White House. According to the President's Daily Diary, July 24, this meeting began at 6:25 and lasted until 6:40. (Ibid.) In a July 24 briefing memorandum to the President Thomson and Komer informed Johnson that his meeting with Prapass (Praphat) “is basically to butter up Thailand's probable next Prime Minister.” (Ibid., National Security File, Country File, Thailand, Vol. I, Memos, 11/63–11/64) Rusk and Harriman also sent Johnson a briefing memorandum, July 23. (Ibid.)
Document 280: Telegram From the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the Commander in Chief, Pacific (Sharp)
Washington, July 29, 1964, 2116Z.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security Files, Country File, Vietnam, Southeast Asia, Vol. III, Memos A, 6/64–8/64. Top Secret. Drafted by Colonel H.H. Reichner of J–5 and released by Major General P.S. Emrick, Director for Plans and Policy.
Document 281: Information Memorandum From the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Green) to Secretary of State Rusk
Washington, August 4, 1964.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 23–9 THAI. Secret. Drafted by Pickering. A note on the source text indicates that Rusk saw it.
Document 282: Memorandum From the Director of the Office of Southeast Asian Affairs (Trueheart) to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Green)
Washington, August 5, 1964.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 1 ASIA SE–US. Secret. Drafted by Pickering. Green wrote “Helpful, Thanks, MG” on the source text.
Document 283: Telegram From the Embassy in Thailand to the Department of State
Bangkok, August 8, 1964, 2 p.m.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 27 VIET S. Secret; Immediate, Exdis. Repeated to CINCPAC, Saigon for Westmoreland, and Vientiane. Pierce Arrow was a series indicator relating to the North Vietnamese attack/attacks on the U.S. Destroyer Maddox in the Gulf of Tonkin and the U.S. response to it. Passed to the White House, Department of Defense, and CIA.
Document 284: Memorandum From the Joint Chiefs of Staff to Secretary of Defense McNamara
Washington, September 23, 1964.
Source: Washington National Records Center, RG 330, OSD Files: FRC 69 A 7425, Thailand 381. Secret.
Document 285: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, December 11, 1964, 12:13–12:40 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Thailand, Vol. II, Memos, 8/64–3/65. Secret; Limdis. Drafted by William Bundy. The time of the meeting is from the President's Daily Dairy. (Ibid.) The meeting was held at the White House. The Department of State copy of this memorandum indicates that it was approved by the White House on December 14. (Department of State, Central Files, POL 27 VIET S) Komer and McGeorge Bundy sent the President a briefing memorandum for this visit in which they stated that “the main thing is to add your strong assurance to him of our determination to check the spread of communism in Southeast Asia and to stand firmly behind our commitment to Thailand.” (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Thailand, Vol. II, Memos, 8/64–3/65) Rusk sent the President a December 9 briefing memorandum that also made this point. (Ibid.)
Document 286: Memorandum for the Record
Washington, January 29, 1965, 2 p.m.
Source: Department of State, S/S-Special Group (Counter Insurgency) Files: Lot 68 D 451, Minutes of Meetings, Jan.–Dec. 1965. Secret. Drafted on February 2.
Document 287: Telegram From the Embassy in Thailand to the Department of State
Bangkok, March 23, 1965, 4 p.m.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 19–3 US–THAI. Top Secret; Priority; Limdis. Also sent to the White House, DOD, JCS, and CINCPAC.
Document 288: Telegram From the Embassy in Thailand to the Department of State
Bangkok, March 31, 1965, 7 p.m.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 6 US. Top Secret; Priority; Exdis. Repeated to CINCPAC.
Document 289: Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (McNaughton) to Secretary of Defense McNamara
Washington, April 15, 1965.
Source: Washington National Records Center, RG 330, OASD/ISA Files: FRC 70 A 1265, Thailand 091.3 MAP. Secret. A note on the source text indicates that Under Secretary of Defense Vance saw it
Document 290: Memorandum From the Special Assistant (Moore) to the Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Bundy)
Washington, April 23, 1965.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 19–8 US–THAI. No classification marking.
Document 291: Letter From the Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Bundy) to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (McNaughton)
Washington, April 24, 1965.
Source: Department of State, Bundy Files: Lot 85 D 240, Misc. Chron. Secret; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Pickering and Moore. A note on the source text indicates that the original was hand delivered to McNaughton.
Document 292: Letter From Secretary of Defense McNamara to Secretary of State Rusk
Washington, April 30, 1965.
Source: Department of State, S/S-Conference Files: Lot 66 D 347, 10th SEATO Meeting, CF 2498. Top Secret.
Document 293: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, May 18, 1965, 11:30–12:15 p.m.
Source: Washington National Records Center, RG 330, OASD/ISA Files: FRC 70 A 3717, 333 Thailand. Secret. Drafted by Drachnik and approved by McNaughton on May 24. The meeting was held in McNamara's office at the Pentagon.
Document 294: Memorandum From Secretary of Defense McNamara to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (McNaughton)
Washington, May 18, 1965.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 19–8 US–THAI. Confidential.
Document 295: Letter From the Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Bundy) to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (McNaughton)
Washington, May 25, 1965.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 19 US–THAI. Secret.
Document 296: Letter From the Assistance Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (McNaughton) to the Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Bundy)
Washington, June 4, 1965.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 19–8 US–THAI. Secret.
Document 297: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Thailand
Washington, June 29, 1965, 3:56 p.m.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 19 US–THAI. Secret; Priority; No Distribution Outside Department. Drafted by Pickering, cleared by Dexter, and approved by Bundy.
Document 298: Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Bundy) to the President's Special Assistant for National Security Affairs (Bundy)
Washington, July 5, 1965.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Thailand, Vol. III, Memos, 4/65–12/65. Secret. Also sent to Rusk and McNamara.
Document 299: Action Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Bundy) to Secretary of State Rusk
Washington, August 1, 1965.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 6 THAI. Secret. Drafted by Pickering. The date is handwritten on the source text.
Document 300: Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (McNaughton) to Secretary of Defense McNamara
Washington, August 2, 1965.
Source: Washington National Records Center, RG 330, OSD Files: FRC 72 A 1266, Thailand 091.3 MAP. Secret.
Document 301: Note From the Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Bundy) to Secretary of State Rusk
Washington, August 6, 1965.
Source: Department of State, Bundy Files: Lot 85 D 240, Miscellaneous Chron. Secret.
Document 302: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Thailand
Washington, August 9, 1965, 3:09 p.m.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 19 US–THAI. Secret; Immediate; Limdis. Drafted by Solbert, cleared with McNaughton and Trueheart, and approved by Berger.
Document 303: Special Memorandum Prepared by the Board of National Estimates, Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, September 10, 1965.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Thailand, Vol. III, Memos, 4/65–12/65. Secret.
Document 304: Memorandum From Richard K. Stuart of the Office of the Deputy Director for Coordination to the Director of the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (Hughes)
Washington, September 10, 1965.
Source: Department of State, INR/IL Historical Files, Thailand, 1965. Secret. Also sent to Deputy Director of INR Denney and Deputy Director for Research Evans. Sent through Albert E. Carter of INR/DDC.
Document 305: Memorandum Prepared for the 303 Committee
Washington, September 28, 1965.
Source: Department of State, INR/IL Historical Files, 303 Committee, 10/7/65. Secret; Eyes Alone. For background information on the role of the 303 Committee and its predecessors in approving U.S. covert actions, see U.S. Covert Actions and Counter-Insurgency Programs, pp. XXXV–XLI.
Document 306: Memorandum for the Record
Washington, October 8, 1965.
Source: Department of State, INR/IL Historical Files, 303 Committee, 10/14/65. Secret; Eyes Only. Drafted by Peter Jessup.
Document 307: Memorandum From the Deputy Director for Plans of the Central Intelligence Agency (Helms) to Secretary of Defense McNamara
Washington, January 14, 1966.
Source: Central Intelligence Agency, DCI/Executive Registry Files: Job 80–BO1676R, Box 4, Defense, Jan.–Dec., 1966. Secret.
Document 308: Telegram From the Embassy in Thailand to the Department of State
Bangkok, February 15, 1966.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 7 US/HUMPHREY. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. There was no time of dispatch on the source copy, which was received in the Department of State at 4:39 p.m. on February 14. The DTG used here is from telegram 1618 from Karachi, Document 309. Vice President Humphrey was in Thailand February 12–15—with a brief trip to Vientiane, Laos, on February 14. Humphrey was on a trip of East and South Asia and he visited in addition to Thailand and Laos, South Vietnam, Pakistan, India, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and South Korea. Memoranda of Humphrey's conversations with Foreign Minister Thanat en route between Udorn and Bangkok on February 13, and with Prime Minister Thanom Kittikachorn at 7 p.m. on Sunday, February 12, prepared in Bangkok by Deputy Chief of Mission James M. Wilson, Jr., are ibid., POL THAI–US.
Document 309: Telegram From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State
Karachi, February 16, 1966.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 7 US/HUMPHREY. Secret; Exdis. There was no time of transmission on the source text, which was received in the Department of State at 3:44 a.m. on February 16. A memorandum of this conversation between Humphrey and the King, 3 p.m., February 12, prepared by Deputy Chief of Mission Wilson in Bangkok, is ibid., POL THAI–US.
Document 310: Report From Chester L. Cooper of the National Security Council Staff to the Special Group (Counter Insurgency)
Washington, February 28, 1966.
Source: Washington National Records Center, RG 330, OSD Files: FRC 70 A 4662, Thailand 091.3 MAP. Top Secret. Komer sent this report to Harriman, Vance, Bell, Wheeler, Raborn, and Leonard Marks of the Special Group, CI. In an attached covering note, Komer noted that McGeorge Bundy sent Cooper and him to Bangkok “to have a close look.” Komer stated that Cooper was “an old hand at this game and his report is first class.”
Document 311: Memorandum From Director of Central Intelligence Raborn to the Executive Chairman of the Senior Interdepartmental Group (Ball)
Washington, March 11, 1966.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Agency File, SIG, Memos & Misc. [IV]. Confidential. The Senior Review Group (SIG) was created in early March 1966 and chaired by Under Secretary of State Ball. Under the SIG were Interdepartmental Regional Groups chaired by the appropriate Assistant Secretary of State. The idea was to return to the Department of State primary responsibility for foreign policy and the supervision of interdepartmental activities abroad. Copies also sent to the other members of the SIG.
Document 312: Telegram From the Ambassador to Thailand (Martin) to the Deputy Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs (Johnson)
Bangkok, May 7, 1966, 1230Z.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 27 THAI. Secret; Eyes Only. [text not declassified]
Document 313: Information Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Bundy) to Secretary of State Rusk
Washington, May 16, 1966.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL THAI–US. Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Trueheart on May 16. The memorandum is hand dated May 16.
Document 314: Memorandum of Conversation
Canberra, June 28, 1966, 9 a.m.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL THAI. Secret. No drafting officer is indicated on the source text, but it was approved in S on July 19. Rusk was in Canberra, Australia, for meetings of SEATO and ANZUS. The meeting was held at the U.S. Ambassador's residence in Canberra. This memorandum is part VII of VII that comprised the Rusk-Thanat conversation. Part V is printed as Document 315. A complete series of Rusk's memoranda of conversation at Canberra, including the other parts of this conversation with Thanat, is in Department of State, Conference Files: Lot 67 D 305, CF 47 and 57.
Document 315: Memorandum of Conversation
Canberra, June 28, 1966, 9 a.m.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 15–3 THAI–US. Secret. No drafting officer is indicated on the source text, but it was approved in S on July 19. This memorandum is Part V of VII. For further information on these memoranda, see footnote 1, Document 314.
Document 316: National Intelligence Estimate
Washington, July 1, 1966.
Source: Department of State, INR/EAP Files: Lot 90 D 165, NIE 52–66. Secret; Controlled Dissem. A covering note on the source text indicates that the Central Intelligence Agency and the intelligence organizations of the Departments of State, Defense, and the NSA prepared this estimate. It was approved on July 1 by all the members of the USIB except the representatives of the AEC and FBI who abstained on the grounds that the subject was outside their jurisdiction. A table of contents and a map of Thailand indicating areas of “Communist Activities and Major U.S. Military Bases” are not printed. In a June 29 memorandum to Hughes, Allen S. Whiting of INR/RFE stated that CIA/ONE initiated this estimate primarily “to put the intelligence community's seal of approval on conclusions that have already become the basis for policy decisions.” Whiting described those agreed conclusions as, “that there is an insurgent threat in Thailand, that it is likely to expand somewhat in the next year or so but not to the point of menacing government stability or control, but that, notwithstanding its present and potential limits, insurgency will be quite an expensive nuisance.” Whiting stated that the DIA was most worried about Thailand becoming “another Vietnam,” but it backed down when challenged by the rest of the intelligence community. (Ibid.)
Document 317: Telegram From the Embassy in Thailand to the Department of State
Bangkok, July 7, 1966.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 19 THAI–US. Secret; No Distribution Outside Department. No time of transmission appears on the source text, which was received at the Department of State at 9:06 a.m. on July 7.
Document 318: Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Systems Analysis (Enthoven) to Secretary of Defense McNamara
Washington, July 21, 1966.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 19 US–THAI. Secret.
Document 319: Letter From Secretary of State Rusk to Secretary of Defense McNamara
Washington, August 6, 1966.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 19 US–THAI. Secret. An attached covering memorandum from U. Alexis Johnson to Rusk, indicated that Johnson drafted this letter after discussion with Rusk. Johnson stated: “I deliberately avoided tying you to any figure but I believe $60 million would be satisfactory.”
Document 320: Report by the Chief of the Far Eastern Division, Directorate of Plans of the Central Intelligence Agency (Colby)
Washington, August 16, 1966.
Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Harriman Papers, Kennedy and Johnson Administrations, Far East General. Secret.
Document 321: Intelligence Memorandum Prepared by the Directorate of Intelligence, Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, August 11, 1966.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security Files, Country File, Thailand, Vol. IV, Memos, 1/66–10/66. Secret; No Foreign Dissem. A note on the source text reads: “Prepared by the Directorate of Intelligence and coordinated with the Office of National Estimates.”
Document 322: Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Bundy) to Secretary of State Rusk
Washington, September 17, 1966.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 19–8 US–THAI. Secret; Exdis. Rusk's initials are on the source text.
Document 323: Memorandum of Conversation
New York, September 22, 1966, 5 p.m.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL THAI–US. Secret; Nodis. No drafter is indicated on the source text, but it was approved in S on November 10.
Document 324: Letter From the Deputy Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs (Johnson) to the Ambassador to Thailand (Martin)
Washington, September 23, 1966.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL THAI–US. Secret; Eyes Only. A note on the source text indicates that the original was pouched to Bangkok.
Document 325: Telegram From the Embassy in Thailand to the Department of State
Bangkok, September 27, 1966.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 19 US–THAI. Secret.
Document 326: Memorandum From the Special Assistant to the President (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, October 6, 1966.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Thailand, Vol. IV, Memos, 1/66–10/66. Secret. There is an indication on the source text that the President saw it.
Document 327: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Thailand
Washington, October 10, 1966, 8:49 p.m.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 7 THAI. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Drafted by Pickering and approved by Bundy. Bundy prepared a briefing memorandum for Rusk for this meeting with Pote Sarasin, October 10. (Ibid., POL THAI–US)
Document 328: Intelligence Memorandum
Washington, October 12, 1966.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Thailand, Vol. V, Memos 10/66–2/67. Secret. A note at the bottom of the first page reads: “This is one of a series of memoranda produced by the CIA on those countries to be visited by President Johnson. It was prepared by the Office of Current Intelligence and coordinated with the Office of National Estimates and the Office of Research and Reports.”
Document 329: Memorandum From Secretary of State Rusk to President Johnson
Washington, October 13, 1966.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Thailand, Vol. V, 10/66–2/67. Secret; Exdis.
Document 330: Telegram From the Ambassador to Thailand (Martin) to William Jorden of the National Security Council Staff
Bangkok, October 14, 1966, 1303Z.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Thailand, Vol. V, Cables, 10/66–2/67. Secret. [text not declassified]
Document 331: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, October 15, 1966.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Thailand, Vol. V, 10/66–2/67. Secret.
Document 332: Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (McNaughton) to Secretary of Defense McNamara
Washington, October 17, 1966.
Source: Washington National Records Center, RG 330, OSD Files: FRC 70 A 4662, Thailand 092, 1966. Top Secret.
Document 333: Memorandum of Conversation
Manila, October 23, 1966, 8:15–8:35 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, International Meetings and Travel File, 7-Nation, POTUS, II, A. Secret. No drafting information appears on the source text. According to the President's Daily Diary, the meeting began at 8:12 and Johnson's next meeting with Vietnamese leaders was at 9:05 p.m. (Ibid.) President Johnson left Washington on October 17 to visit six countries in East Asia and the Pacific and to attend the Conference in Manila on Vietnam October 24–25. Johnson stopped at Honolulu, Hawaii, October 17–19; visited New Zealand October 19–20; Australia October 20–23; arrived in Manila on October 23 and remained in the Philippines until October 27 when he traveled to Thailand where he stayed until October 30. The President then traveled to Malaysia, October 30–31, South Korea, October 31–November 2, returning to Washington via Alaska on November 2.
Document 334: Telegram From the Secretary of State to the Department of State
Manila, October 26, 1966, 0440Z.
Source: Department of State, S/S-Conference Files: Lot 67 D 586, CF 96. Secret; Exdis. Rusk was with the President at the Manila Conference to discuss Vietnam. Passed to the White House.
Document 335: Memorandum of Conversation
Bangkok, October 29, 1966, noon.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Files of Walt Rostow, Asian Trip, Copies of Memos. No classification marking. The source text states that this was a partial draft prepared on November 2. No drafting information appears on the source text. Johnson traveled to Thailand on October 27, after the Manila conference, and stayed in Bang Saen and then Bangkok October 28–30. This meeting lasted until 12:58 p.m. (Ibid., President's Daily Diary)
Document 336: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Thailand
Washington, November 10, 1966, 8:09 p.m.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 15–3 THAI–US. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Drafted by Bundy, cleared in substance by William E. Lang, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, and approved by Rusk.
Document 337: Telegram From the Embassy in Thailand to the Department of State
Bangkok, November 21, 1966, 1035Z.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 19 THAI–US. Secret; Exdis; No Distribution Outside Department.
Document 338: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Thailand
Washington, November 22, 1966, 8:39 p.m.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 19 THAI–US. Secret; Exdis; No Distribution Outside Department. Drafted by Bundy and Pickering and approved by Bundy.
Document 339: Memorandum From the Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Treasury (Acheson) to the Under Secretary of State (Katzenbach)
Washington, December 7, 1966.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, SOC 11–5 US–THAI. Secret.
Document 340: Memorandum From Secretary of Defense McNamara to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (Wheeler)
Washington, January 16, 1967.
Source: Washington National Records Center, RG 330, OSD Files: FRC 72 A 2468, Thailand 370. Secret. Attached to this memorandum was a memorandum to McNamara, January 13, from Assistant Secretary of State for Systems Analysis Enthoven who recommended that McNamara sign the memorandum to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Document 341: Action Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs (Bundy) to Secretary of State Rusk
Washington, February 27, 1967.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 15 THAI–US. Secret. Drafted by Bundy.
Document 342: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, March 22, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Thailand, Vol. VI, Memos, 3/67–8/67. Confidential.
Document 343: Telegram From the Embassy in Thailand to the Department of State
Bangkok, March 23, 1967, 1119Z.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, AID (US) THAI. Confidential.
Document 344: Report of the Thai Working Group to the East Asia and Pacific Interdepartmental Regional Group
Washington, April 26, 1967.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 23–1 THAI. Secret. This report was passed to the Australian and New Zealand Governments on May 13. In an attached memorandum to Rusk suggesting this action, also May 13, Bundy noted that, “This was regarded by all IRG members and by Ambassador Martin as a good report.” Bundy noted that by providing an “unaltered document originally designed for our internal use” the United States would be demonstrating its openness to the Australians and New Zealanders.
Document 345: Memorandum From Secretary of State Rusk to the Administrator of the Agency for International Development (Gaud)
Washington, May 31, 1967.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, AID (US) 10 THAI. Confidential. Drafted by Bundy.
Document 346: Memorandum From the Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (Hoopes) to Secretary of Defense McNamara
Washington, June 10, 1967.
Source: Washington National Records Center, RG 330, OSD Files: FRC 72 A 2468, Thailand 323.3. Secret.
Document 347: Memorandum From Acting Secretary of State Katzenbach to President Johnson
Washington, June 23, 1967.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 7 THAI. Secret. There is no indication of a drafting officer on this memorandum. Pickering drafted a covering memorandum to Rusk recommending that he sign the memorandum to the President. King Bhumibol Adulyadej made a State visit to Washington, June 27–29.
Document 348: Memorandum of Conversation Between President Johnson and the King of Thailand
Washington, June 27, 1967.
Document 349: Memorandum From the Chief of Protocol of the Department of State (Symington) to President Johnson
Washington, June 29, 1967.
Document 350: Editorial Note
Document 351: Memorandum From the Deputy Director for Coordination (Trueheart) to the Director of the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (Hughes)
Washington, August 14, 1967.
Source: Department of State, INR/IL Historical Files, Thailand, 1966–1967. Secret; Eyes Only. Also sent to Deputy Director George C. Denny, Jr. and Deputy Director for Research Allan Evans.
Document 352: Letter From the Ambassador to Thailand's Special Assistant for Counterinsurgency (de Silva) to the Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs (Bundy)
Bangkok, August 18, 1967.
Source: Department of State, Bundy Files: Lot 85 D 240, Ambassador's Private Correspondence, 1967–1968. Secret; Official-Informal.
Document 353: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, September 12, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, Meeting Notes File, Folder 4. Secret. On another copy of this memorandum there is note that it was sent to the President on September 14 at 8:45 a.m. (Ibid., National Security File, Country File, Thailand, Memos, 8/67–7/68)
Document 354: Memorandum From the Ambassador-Designate to Thailand (Unger) to the Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs (Bundy)
Washington, September 12, 1967.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 27 VIET S. Secret.
Document 355: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, September 14, 1967.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 27 VIET S. Secret. Drafted by Spear.
Document 356: Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs (Bundy) to Secretary of State Rusk
Washington, September 15, 1967.
Source: Department of State, INR/IL Historical Files, Thailand, Lotus File, 1968–1969. Secret; Exdis.1
Document 357: Memorandum for the Record
Washington, September 15, 1967.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL THAI–US. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Unger on September 19. Approved by the White House on September 23. For another account of this meeting, see Document 358.
Document 358: Memorandum From the President's Assistant (Jones) to President Johnson
Washington, September 15, 1967, 7:27–8:05 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, Meeting Notes Files, Folder 4. Top Secret.
Document 359: Memorandum From Marshall Wright of the National Security Council Staff to the President's Special Assistant (Rostow)
Washington, September 19, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Vietnam, 5 D (2), Allies Troop Commitments and other Aid, 1967–1969. Secret; Exdis. A note by William Jorden on the source text indicates that he had read it.
Document 360: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, September 21, 1967.
Source: Department of State, INR/IL Historical Files, Thailand 1966–1967. Secret. There was no drafting information on the source text.
Document 361: Telegram From the Embassy in Thailand to the Department of State
Bangkok, September 25, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Thailand, Vol. VII, Memos, 8/67–7/68. Secret. The source text is a copy that was retyped in the White House. The Department of State copy, 1133Z, is not filed in the Central Files, but was sent to INR.
Document 362: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, October 6, 1967, 12:30 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Thailand, Vol. VII, Memos, 8/67–7/68. Secret. Drafted by Rostow. On October 4 Rusk sent the President a memorandum that included talking points, biographic sketches of Thanat and Pote, and a draft press release. (Department of State, Central Files, POL THAI–US) Clark Clifford had lunch with Pote Sarasin on October 5 and told him that there had been a significant drop in popular support for U.S. Vietnam policy, making the Thai troop contributions even more important. Pote stated that some in Thailand drew the opposite conclusion. Pote suggested that the President strongly urge Thanat to expedite Thai troop support. Clifford asked Bundy to pass the message to the President with his strong concurrence. (Memorandum from Bundy to Rostow, October 5; Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Thailand, Vol. VII, 8/67–7/68)
Document 363: Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (Warnke) to Secretary of Defense McNamara
Washington, October 6, 1967.
Source: Washington National Records Center, RG 330, OSD Files: FRC 72 A 2468, Thailand 370. Secret.
Document 364: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, October 6, 1967, 3–3:35 p.m.
Source: Washington National Records Center, RG 330, OSD: FRC 72 A 2468. Secret. Drafted by Steadman. The meeting was held in McNamara's office at the Pentagon.
Document 365: Memorandum From the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (Steadman) to the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Warnke)
Washington, October 17, 1967.
Source: Washington National Records Center, RG 330, OASD/ISA Files: FRC 71 A 4546, Thailand 320–333. Secret.1
Document 366: Letter From the Ambassador to Thailand (Unger) to the Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs (Bundy)
Washington, October 22, 1967.
Source: Department of State, Bundy Files: Lot 85 D 240, Ambassador's Private Correspondence, 1967–1968. Secret; Eyes Only; Nodis.
Document 367: Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (Warnke) to Secretary of Defense McNamara
Washington, October 28, 1967.
Source: Washington National Records Center, RG 330, Secretary of Defense Files: FRC 72 A 2468, Thailand 370. Secret.
Document 369: Telegram From the Embassy in Thailand to the Department of State
Bangkok, November 6, 1967, 1247Z.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, AID (US) THAI. Confidential; Priority.
Document 370: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Thailand
Washington, November 22, 1967, 1550Z.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 27 LAOS. Top Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Spear, cleared in draft with Habib, in substance with Steadman, and by Jorden of the White House; and approved by Bundy.
Document 371: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Thailand
Washington, December 2, 1967, 1915Z.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 15–3 THAI–US. Confidential. Drafted by Salans; cleared with Colonel Ramundo of DOD/ISA, Eugene Herbert of L/EA, Spear, and Lawrence Hoover, Jr. of L/UNA; and approved by Bundy. Repeated to Seoul and Taipei.
Document 372: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson
Washington, December 8, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Vietnam, 5 D (2), Allies Troop Commitments and Other Aid, 1967–1969. Secret.
Document 373: Telegram From the Embassy in Thailand to the Department of State
Bangkok, December 14, 1967, 1250Z.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 15–3 THAI–US. Secret; Exdis. Repeated to CINCPAC for POLAD.
Document 374: Memorandum From Marshall Wright of the National Security Council Staff to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (Steadman)
Washington, December 27, 1967.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, International Meetings and Travel File, President's Trip to Holt's Funeral, Memos and Misc. Cables. Confidential. In an attached covering memorandum to Rostow, December 29, Wright stated that Steadman wanted this memorandum “as a weapon with which to reopen the whole question of training schedules for Thai troops.” Wright also stated that he checked with Bundy, “who agrees that this summation of the President's conversation with Thanom is accurate.” (Ibid.)
Document 375: Memorandum From Secretary of Defense McNamara to President Johnson
Washington, January 12, 1968.
Source: Washington National Records Center, RG 330, OSD Admin Files: FRC 73 A 1250, Thailand 370. Secret.
Document 376: Research Memorandum From the Director of Intelligence and Research (Hughes) to Secretary of State Rusk
Washington, January 19, 1968.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 15–5 THAI. Secret; No Foreign Dissem.
Document 377: Memorandum From Secretary of State Rusk to President Johnson
Washington, January 20, 1968.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 6 THAI. Secret. Drafted by Spear and sent to Rusk under cover of a memorandum by Bundy, January 18, which recommended that the Secretary sign the memorandum.
Document 378: Memorandum From the President's Special Assistant (Rostow) to Secretary of State Rusk and Secretary of Defense McNamara
Washington, January 22, 1968.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 6 THAI. Secret.
Document 379: Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Thailand
Washington, January 27, 1968, 0435Z.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 7 THAI. Secret: Priority; Exdis. Drafted and approved by Bundy and cleared by Harriman.
Document 380: Letter From the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (Warnke) to the President's Special Assistant (Rostow)
Washington, February 12, 1968.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 6 THAI. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by J.B. Devine of ISA. Copies were sent to McNamara, Wheeler, and Bundy.
Document 381: Memorandum of Conversation
Bangkok, March 22, 1968.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 14 THAI. Secret. Drafted by Unger. Copies sent Eyes Only to Hannah, Jantzen, Hamilton, and Bundy.
Document 382: Memorandum From the Under Secretary of State (Katzenbach) to the Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs (Bundy)
Washington, March 25, 1968.
Source: Johnson Library National Security File, Country File, Thailand, Vol. VII, Memos, 8/67–7/68. Confidential. The Department of State copy of this memorandum indicates that it and the attachment were drafted by Claus Ruser of Katzenbach's staff on March 16. (Department of State, Central Files, AID (US) THAI)
Document 383: Letter From the Ambassador to Thailand (Unger) to the Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs (Bundy)
Bangkok, April 16, 1968.
Source: Department of State, INR/IL Historical Files, Thailand 1968. Secret; Eyes Only. Copies were sent to Godley and Spear.
Document 384: Briefing Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs (Bundy) to Secretary of State Rusk
Washington, May 3, 1968.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Thailand, PM Than-om Kittikachorn Visit Briefing Book, 5/8–9/68. Secret. Drafted by Spear, cleared by Aldrich, Devine of DOD/ISA, John R. Burke of EA/VN, Louis A. Cohen of EA/RA, and William W. Thomas, Jr. of EA.
Document 385: Memorandum From Secretary of State Rusk to President Johnson
Washington, May 6, 1968.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Thailand, Vol. VII, Memos, 8/67–7/68. Secret. The Department of State copy of this memorandum indicates that it was drafted by Spear. (Department of State, Central Files, POL 7 THAI)
Document 386: Memorandum From the Director of the United States Information Agency (Marks) to President Johnson
Washington, May 6, 1968.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Thailand, Thanom Kittikachorn Visit, 5/8–9/68. Confidential
Document 387: Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs (Bundy) to the President's Special Assistant (Rostow)
Washington, May 8, 1968.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Files of Walt Rostow, President-Thanom meeting, May, 8, 1968. Secret; Eyes Only. According to the President's Daily Diary, the meeting lasted from 12:14 to 1 p.m. (Ibid.) Transmitted to the White House on May 20.
Document 388: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, May 8, 1968, 3:30–5:35 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, Clifford Papers, Memorandum of Conversation. Secret. Drafted by Devine and approved by Warnke on May 13. The meeting was held in Clifford's office at the Pentagon.
Document 389: Memorandum From Marshall Wright of the National Security Council Staff to the President's Special Assistant (Rostow)
Washington, May 8, 1968.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Agency File, SIG, Vol. 4, 36th meeting. No classification marking.
Document 390: National Intelligence Estimate
Washington, May 9, 1968.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Intelligence File, 52, Thailand. Secret. The CIA, the intelligence organizations of the Departments of State and Defense, and the NSA participated in the preparation of this estimate. All members of the USIB concurred with its release except the representatives of the AEC and FBI who abstained on the grounds that the subject was outside their jurisdiction. A table of contents and a map entitled “Thailand Communist Insurgency Regions” are not printed.
Document 391: Editorial Note
Document 392: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, May 9, 1968, 5 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Thailand, Vol. VII, 8/67–7/68. Secret. Drafted by Spear and cleared by Bundy. The meeting was held at the White House from 5:11 to 5:36 p.m., according to the President's Daily Diary. (Ibid.) Part II, a separate memorandum, was an account of the President congratulating Thanat on his birthday; Part III concerned the increased Thai use of fertilizer and the need for sulphur that Johnson promised to obtain for Thailand from major U.S. producers. (Ibid.) Part IV is Document 393.
Document 393: Memorandum of Conversation
Washington, May 9, 1968, 5 p.m.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Thailand, Vol. VII, 8/67–7/68. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Spear and cleared by Bundy.
Document 394: Summary of Discussion and Decisions at the 36th Meeting of the Senior Interdepartmental Group
Washington, May 13, 1968.
Document 395: Memorandum Prepared by the Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, July 10, 1968.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Agency File, SIG, Vol. 4, 36th meeting. Secret; No Foreign Dissem. A covering note from Hartman to SIG members, July 16, indicated that at the May 9 meeting of the SIG, the Chairman asked Helms for this assessment. It was given to the members of the SIG on a limited distribution basis. (Ibid.)
Document 396: Memorandum of Conversation
Bangkok, July 18, 1968.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 12 THAI. Secret; Eyes Only. Drafted by Unger. Copies sent Eyes Only to Unger, Hamilton, Jantzen, and Hannah. The meeting took place in [text not declassified].1
Document 397: Letter From the Ambassador to Thailand (Unger) to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs (Godley)
Bangkok, July 24, 1968.
Source: Department of State, INR/IL Historical Files, Thailand 1968. Secret; Eyes Only.
Document 398: Memorandum From the Secretary of State's Special Assistant for Refugee and Migration Affairs (Martin) to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs (Brown)
Washington, July 30, 1968.
Source: Department of State, INR/IL Historical Files, Thailand, Lotus File, 1968–1969. Secret; Eyes Only.
Document 399: Telegram From the Embassy in Thailand to the Department of State
Bangkok, July 31, 1968, 1126Z.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 23–1 THAI. Secret.
Document 400: Memorandum for the Files
Washington, August 5, 1968.
Source: Department of State, INR/IL Historical Files, Thailand 1968. Secret.
Document 401: Memorandum of Conversation
Bangkok, August 9, 1968, 6 p.m.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 12 THAI. Secret; Eyes Only. Drafted by Unger. Copies sent Eyes Only to Hannah, Hamilton, Jantzen, and Godley. A report of a preliminary conversation is in an August 8 memorandum of conversation. (Ibid.)
Document 402: Telegram From the Ambassador to Thailand (Unger) to the Department of State
Bangkok, August 10, 1968.
Source: Department of State, INR/IL Historical Files, Thailand 1968. Secret. [text not declassified] A note on the telegram indicates that Bundy saw it.
Document 403: Telegram From the Embassy in Thailand to the Department of State
Bangkok, August 15, 1968, 1041Z.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 1 ASIA SE-US. Secret; Exdis. Repeated to CINCPAC for Admiral McCain and Vientiane for Ambassador only.
Document 404: Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs (Bundy) to Secretary of State Rusk
Washington, August 20, 1968.
Source: Department of State, INR/IL Historical Files, Lotus File, 1968–69. Secret; Eyes Only.
Document 405: Telegram 3329 From the Embassy in Thailand to the Department of State
Bangkok, August 23, 1968.
Document 406: Memorandum for the Record
Washington, October 16, 1968.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Thailand, Vol. VIII, Memos 7/68–12/68. Top Secret. Drafted by Chief of Staff of the Army, General William Westmoreland.
Document 407: Special Report by the Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, October 18, 1968.
Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Thailand, Vol. VIII, Memos 7/68–12/68. Secret; No Foreign Dissem. This was a “Weekly Review.” A photograph on p. 3 of the source text showing Prime Minister Thanom casting his ballot in the Bangkok municipal elections and a photograph of Deputy Prime Minister Praphat are not reproduced.
Document 408: Memorandum of Conversation
Bangkok, November 16, 1968.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 15 THAI. Secret. Copies were sent to Hannah, Hamilton, Jantzen, Godley, and Spear. Drafted by Unger. The meeting was held at Pote's residence.