740.0011 Pacific War/3132: Telegram

The Ambassador in China ( Gauss ) to the Secretary of State

293. Following is summary of broadcast made by Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek to armed forces and people of Thailand February 26.

Since the signing of treaty of alliance between Thailand and Japan, I have not spoken to you because I realized your difficulties and knew your circumstances to be not unlike those of China before we resisted Japan in 1937. Now circumstances have changed, the Axis powers are being forced to take the defensive, the day for you to save your country is drawing near and I desire to speak to you frankly in order to show China’s feeling toward you.

Chinese friendship for Thailand is based on historical background, upon 3 million compatriots living in Thailand and upon Chinese realization that Japanese-Thai alliance was not expression of free will of Thai soldiers and people. China’s faith as nation is based upon Three People’s Principles which call for freedom and equality for all nations. China signed United Nations Declaration16a with this faith. I can give my solemn word that China as well as her Allies have no territorial ambitions in Thailand and harbor no intentions of undermining her sovereignty and independence. China’s war policy is to crush the Japanese war machine and Thailand is considered as enemy occupied territory under that policy, not as enemy country. Thai army and people should, therefore, cooperate with China to expel enemy from both countries. We earnestly expect you now to do your duty promptly for salvation of your country and whole world and we hope you will regain international confidence your [Page 14] country once enjoyed and achieve right to speak for your country in post-war family of nations.

Gauss
  1. United Nations Declaration, January 1, 1942, Department of State Executive Agreement Series No. 236, or 55 Stat. 1600.