792.94/71: Telegram
The Minister in Thailand (Grant) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 5—12:15 a.m.]
3. Although definite proof is lacking because of strict control of all sources of information and means of communication, there is good reason to believe that Japanese propaganda in Thailand is being intensified and there are some indications that a Japanese fifth column movement is being organized for any eventuality that may arise in this area making it possible for Japan to control this country in its own interest and for use as a base for [operations] against Singapore. There are many reports to the effect that recently there has been a steady infiltration of Japanese many of whom physically have the appearance of either soldiers or sailors or both.
Although there is a lull in the Indo-China frontier incident, I am reliably informed that the Thailandese forces and war supplies are being constantly augmented and further that the Japanese are making a considerable contribution in this connection. I have it from a reliable source that Japan is furnishing Thailand with 400 airplanes in exchange for tin ore, rubber and rice and that 60 of these have already been delivered. It is reported from the same source that 300 Japanese officers are coming to Thailand to train the Thailandese in the use of these airplanes, in anti-aircraft batteries and field guns. The airplanes are said to be single engine, 1050 horsepower with two synchronous guns forward and one free gun aft, all new but of old [Page 2] design, Japanese ships are also said to be arriving with war supplies as indicated in my telegram No. 229, December 30, 7 p.m.2 Among the shipments are airplanes that can be fitted with pontoons, torpedoes, parts, rifles, bayonets, rifle ammunition and tanks.
Referring to my telegram No. 225, December 28, 6 p.m.,3 I was informed today by the Netherlands Chargé d’Affaires that the Thai authorities have now approached him with a definite request for his government’s sanction of the furnishing of oil products including Diesel gas and fuel oil, aviation and motor gasoline and kerosene. Thailand would send a Government representative to Batavia to negotiate the matter, Chargé d’Affaires was informed.
The Prime Minister4 in a conversation with the British Minister5 a few days ago denied that there is any secret military alliance between Thailand and Japan but admitted that the Japanese were seeking to extend their influence here. He said that when the Japanese take over Saigon and other southern ports of Indo-China Thailand will move into Laos and Cambodia.
The present signs seem to point to the early extension of Japanese control of Indo-China including the establishment of military bases in the southern ports and the involvement of Thailand, with the aid of Japanese aircraft and war supplies, through the sop thrown to the territorially ambitious Thailandese leaders of the large territories of Laos and Cambodia. Thailand would thus be drawn definitely into the Japanese orbit. There is the other possibility of a coup d’état in Bangkok resulting in the absolute control of Thailand by Japan through the cooperation of a handful of unscrupulous pro-Japanese Thailandese leaders who are back of the intensive propaganda campaign which has been in progress against the French for several weeks. Entire telegram strictly confidential information.
- Not printed; it reported, inter alia, a French Legation protest to the Japanese Legation in Thailand against shipment of war supplies which would be used against the French in Indochina (701.5192/26).↩
- Not printed.↩
- Field Marshal Luang Pibul Songgram, who also was Minister for Foreign Affairs.↩
- Sir Josiah Crosby.↩