892.01–/53

Proposed Declaration by the British Government in Regard to Thailand8

The position of Thailand is in some respects unique in the Far East though not without parallel in Europe. A country with a long traditional friendship with us has, though admittedly under pressure from Japan, betrayed that friendship. Not content with collaborating with our enemy and despite her treaty of non-aggression with us the quisling government of Luang Pibul9 took the initiative in declaring war upon us. For these acts Thailand is already paying the price and will undoubtedly pay a yet heavier price as the war reaches her territories. It is still possible for the people of Thailand to do something to save themselves from the worst consequences of their betrayal, and they will be judged by the efforts that they make to redeem themselves from the position in which the action of their present régime has placed them. Like other countries in like case “They must work their passage home”. If they do so they can look to this country to support the emergence of a free and independent Thailand after the war is over.10

  1. Handed to the Deputy Director of the Office of Far Eastern Affairs (Ballantine) on February 26 by the British Minister (Sansom).
  2. Field Marshal Luang Pibul Songgram, Thai Premier.
  3. Marginal notation: “Declaration to be made on first suitable occasion—early.”