Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume X, Vietnam, January 1973–July 1975

292. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Thailand¹

Washington, May 13, 1975, 1754Z.

111025. Subject: Measures to Obtain Release of the Mayaguez. Ref: Bangkok 8690.²

You are correct in what you have told Prime Minister Khukrit that aircraft launched from Thai bases thus far have been for surveillance purposes only. We understand fully sensitivity of issue, but it is our judgment that if we begin to supply the Thais with advance information they would have no alternative but to pose strong objection.

Regarding decisions taken but as a matter of overall strategy you should understand that we will be required to utilize U-Tapao as may be necessary in order to secure promptly the release of the vessel and Americans. You are already aware, as indicated in JCS 131610Z,³ of certain steps being taken. You should not rpt not give any advance indication to the Thais. We realize that there may be costs with the Thais but the balance of interests requires that we be willing to take whatever risks may be involved in our relations with Thais.

Ingersoll

1. Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, NSC East Asian and Pacific Affairs Staff Files, Box 29, Department of State, Telegrams and Cables. Secret; Nodis; Flash. Drafted by Sisco; approved by Sisco, Johnson, and Eagleburger.
2. Document 289.
3. In JCS 131610Z to CINCPAC, the JCS ordered certain U.S. forces in Thailand to position themselves for action at U-Tapao. (Ford Library, National Security Adviser, NSC East Asian and Pacific Affairs Staff Files Box 28, Department of Defense, CINCPAC, 1)