811.20 (D) Regulations/3691
Memorandum of Conversation, by Mr. Willys R. Peck of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs 72
Mr. Hall telephoned to Mr. Peck and said that he had written a letter to Mr. Acheson73 in which he had expressed the opinion that the British Minister at Bangkok was greatly encouraged by the offer made by the American Government to the Thai Government on June 24, and felt that the situation was so much improved that he would now press the Thai Government even more strongly for satisfactory political assurances.
Mr. Peck said that he was of the impression that the British authorities had all along been willing and were then willing that the United States should purchase the entire Thai output of rubber and tin; he said he would like Mr. Hall to confirm this impression.
Mr. Hall said that the British Government was not only willing that the United States should purchase all the Thai rubber and tin, but was “enthusiastic” in this regard.
Mr. Peck said that he himself felt that the time had come for the Department to instruct the American Minister in Bangkok to press for action by the Thai Government; he said he intended to suggest that the Department send such instructions at an early date, in the hope that there might be some progress toward concluding arrangements with the Thai Government for the acquisition of the rubber and tin.
Mr. Hall observed that he agreed in thinking that such instructions to the American Minister in Bangkok would be advisable.