124.921/225: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Switzerland ( Harrison )
1764. American interests—Thailand. Your 2977, June 26, 6 p.m., and 3161, July 7. Request that following communication be delivered to Thai Government:
“The United States Government has been informed that the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received upon its insistent demand an inventory of the property in the premises of the American Legation at Bangkok.
The United States Government perceives no justification for the Thai Government’s demand that it receive an inventory of property immune from its jurisdiction. Since Switzerland has undertaken the protection of American interests in Thailand, the Swiss Government’s representative at Bangkok is the proper repository of the inventory.
The United States Government views with even greater concern a report that the premises of the American Legation at Bangkok have been seized for military purposes. Such unwarranted action can only be condemned as utter disrespect for the inviolability generally regarded as appertaining to such property.”
Fully aware of the difficulties with which the Swiss representative at Bangkok has been faced, this Government wishes to express its appreciation of his exceptional work under trying circumstances.
Endeavor to ascertain whether “Supreme Commander” mentioned in your 3161 is Japanese or Thai Commander.53
- In telegram No. 3368, July 22, 3 p.m., the Minister in Switzerland advised that the person concerned was the Thai Supreme Commander (124.921/226).↩