7510.92/3: Telegram
The Minister in Thailand (Grant) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:32 p.m.]
54. The Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs received me today and stated categorically that while the Thai Government will be satisfied with the maintenance of the status quo in Indochina, if a third party, Japan for instance, should attempt to seize control, which appears likely, it wants a return of the provinces ceded to France. The Prime Minister confirmed the information that the Thai military mission to Tokyo will discuss this proposal with the Japanese. He added that the mission will proceed to Tokyo via Indochina where the subject of Thai claims in Indochina will also be discussed with the French authorities. The Prime Minister denied a report broadcast yesterday from San Francisco to the effect that Japan had demanded the establishment of air and naval bases and the control of the state railways in Thailand. However, he indicated that his Government is very anxious about the intentions of Japan. In reply to an inquiry as to his opinion in regard to the effect of the war on Far Eastern problems, he [Page 80] said the solution must be found in the policies adopted by Great Britain and the United States.