File No. 763.72/4156
The Chargé in Siam ( Arnold ) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 29, 4.50 a.m.]
The Russian Minister handed to me last night an aide-mémoire, which he also presented to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and representatives of the Allies, and requested that I transmit it to my Government. Summary of aide-mémoire follows:
If any uncertainty existed as to the advisability for Siam’s participation in the great Alliance we must admit that the situation has radically changed since the advent of the United States gave the final stamp and seal [to?] the character of the conflict. The war has ceased to be of one coalition against another, but has become a world struggle for the rights of humanity and the liberty of the nations of the earth. We must consider ourselves not only as representatives of our respective governments, but the representatives of the new community of nations and it is our sacred duty to make it triumph wherever we can, and it is not indifferent that a country like Siam should or should not join the Allies. We think that these ideas are beginning to penetrate the Royal Government, which begins to see clearly the trend of events. We must show them that having taken part in two Hague conferences it is not only the right of Siam but its duty to participate in the world struggle for the respect of these standards. If they are not willing to bear their share in the efforts for these rights of mankind they can not expect to reap the benefits as they who fought for them. We have, therefore, no time to lose in persuading the Siamese Government that, action be taken at once so as to prevent any counter action of the enemy, particularly that they may not have time to damage their vessels interned in Bangkok.
The French, Russian, and Italian Ministers have received instructions from their Governments to induce Siam to break off the relations with Germany. The British Minister is opposed to it.