751G.92/171a: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Leahy)

35. The Department desires that, unless you perceive objection, you make an early approach to the French Foreign Office, in such manner as you may deem appropriate, along lines as follows:

The Government of the United States is perturbed at the renewed reports of the intensification of border fighting between Indochinese and Thai forces. It seems obvious to this Government that the fundamental factors in this situation are the activities and aims of aggressor nations which are alert to seize upon conditions of strife to further their own purposes. This Government believes that it is highly important that both the French authorities and the Thai authorities recognize these fundamental factors and pursue courses which take them fully into consideration with the object of averting developments which sooner or later are likely to result in domination by aggressor nations of their territories in one form or another—economic, political, or military.

You may inform the French authorities that this Government is making a similar approach to the Thai Government.

Hull