711.92/33
The British Embassy to the Department of State 85
Aide-Mémoire
His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom welcomes the proposal made in the State Department’s memorandum of December 18th to continue to recognise the Thai Minister in Washington as the representative in the United States of the free people of Thailand. When the question of setting up a Free Thai movement arises, the personalities of possible leaders will naturally require careful consideration, and His Majesty’s Government are now going into this question so far as the United Kingdom is concerned. The Thai Minister in London has shown no wish to come out into open opposition to the regime in Bangkok, and His Majesty’s Government consider that it will be best to arrange for his departure.
His Majesty’s Government are sending to Sir Josiah Crosby instructions regarding his withdrawal similar to those which have been sent by the United States Government to Mr. Peck. The text of these instructions is attached as Annex one86 to this Aide-Mémoire. The instructions have been sent direct, and the Swiss Government, who are being asked to take charge of British interests in Thailand are also being asked to transmit them to His Majesty’s Minister in case the direct telegram does not reach him.
As regards general policy the conclusion of a Treaty of Alliance which His Majesty’s Government have good reason to believe commits Thailand to give assistance of every kind to Japan would normally justify a declaration of war upon Thailand by the powers at war with Japan. His Majesty’s Government have however received convincing indications that the majority of Thai opinion is anti-Japanese if not pro-Ally, and it is likely to become increasingly anti-Japanese as the Japanese proceed to apply their usual arrogant methods and to infringe their agreement to respect the sovereignty of Thailand. His Majesty’s Government feel that a declaration of war might change this movement of opinion for the worse and have the effect of throwing Thailand into the arms of Japan. They are therefore inclined to consider it premature to declare that a state of war exists with Thailand. They intend however to attack Japanese forces wherever they find them, and since these forces are in occupation of Thailand British forces will operate in or over that country and its territorial waters if it seems desirable for military reasons to do so. His Majesty’s Government consider therefore that their policy should be as follows:— [Page 393]
- (a)
- British forces should take no unprovoked action against the Thais.
- (b)
- If the Thais attempt to obstruct the operations of British troops, or if in the opinion of the local Commander the presence of Thai forces constitutes a threat to the security of British troops, the Thai forces should be treated as enemies, and
- (c)
- If any concentration of Thai forces indicates the possibility of a threat to the security of Burma, the Thai Government should be warned that such action will be regarded as a hostile act.
For the time being His Majesty’s Government are treating Thailand for economic warfare and other purposes as enemy-occupied territory.
As regards propaganda to be directed to Thailand, His Majesty’s Government suggests that the best course of action would be, while expressing sympathy with the Thai people, to endeavor to discredit the present Government … His Majesty’s Government feel that it is therefore undesirable to lay too much stress on the suggestion that the Thai Government in signing their Treaty of Alliance with Japan were yielding to force majeure. It is proposed to issue in London a statement on the lines of that given in the second Annex87 to this Aide-Mémoire, but before putting it out His Majesty’s Government would be glad to learn whether the United States Government have any observations to offer. His Majesty’s Government consider it desirable that any statements issued by the United States Government, the Netherlands Government and themselves should not in any way conflict. They would be glad to know the views of the United States Government as soon as possible.