751G.92/165: Telegram

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

49. Chauvel31 this afternoon expressed satisfaction over a telegram just received from Ambassador Henry-Haye in which the latter reported his latest interview with the Under Secretary.32 The Ambassador [Page 21] stated that we had already obtained assurances from the British that the planes on the Bearn could be transferred to Indochina and consequently, said Chauvel, the French Government is taking the matter up immediately and urgently at Wiesbaden. He was also much pleased with our assistance in connection with the purchase of the Ford trucks so urgently needed by Decoux and the unblocking of the necessary funds for payment thereof.

Henry-Haye likewise reported with appreciation the Under Secretary’s [the Secretary’s?] “firm” talk with the Thai Minister at Washington.33 The latest reports from Hanoi indicate that a battalion of Thai troops had penetrated Cambodia and had compelled French advance posts in the region west of Sisophon to withdraw. He did not seem, however, to be under the impression that a major movement is involved.

Garreau has apparently finally been recognized, following several telegrams from Vichy in clear, as French Chargé d’Affaires by the Thailand Government and recent reports indicate a slight improvement in the atmosphere—for which Garreau gives much credit to the energetic and cooperative attitude of Minister Grant.

The Thai authorities, Garreau reported, are insisting that the question of sovereignty over the islands on the right bank of the Mekong be submitted to the Mixed Commission. Garreau indicated that although he had no instructions to go that far he might if necessary agree to submit the question to the French Delegation on the Commission when it sits on the understanding that the Commission will state that as long as the Franco-German armistice is in effect and until the signing of peace no question of territorial sovereignty can be considered.

Chauvel showed us the answering telegram sent from Vichy last night. It indicates some anxiety lest Garreau’s concession be interpreted at Bangkok as a sign of weakness. (Chauvel said: “We are unfortunately not strong enough out there to risk any indications of weakness”.) On the other hand, if Garreau felt that it was merely a question of finding some means for the Thai Government to save its face and close the incident, his suggestion, read the telegram, was acceptable. He was urged to telegraph as accurate a survey of the situation and the real intention of the Thai Government as soon as possible.

Leahy
  1. Jean Chauvel, head of the Far East Section of the French Foreign Office.
  2. See memorandum by the Under Secretary of State, January 10, p. 11.
  3. See memorandum by the Secretary of State, January 13, p. 16.