741.92/12–145: Telegram
The Political Adviser in Siam (Yost) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:53 p.m.]
37. Bird states Anglo-Siamese negotiations will probably be resumed in Singapore week of December 2.30 He is not optimistic as to outcome in view Siamese Government’s commitment to Assembly to hold out on certain points and His Majesty’s Government’s continued determination to insist agreement be signed as presented. Strategy of Siamese Government will presumably be that described in my No. 18, November 24, 11 a.m.
Bird did indicate greater flexibility might be introduced into rice levy clause by stipulating that a portion be delivered unconditionally while delivery of remainder would depend on availability. Bird disclaimed knowledge whether His Majesty’s Government will bring Indo-China question into negotiations but report from US Military Attaché AHQS (Army Headquarters) indicates British, since Siamese refuse to negotiate with French, may incorporate appropriately ideas from French draft agreement into their own. Such action would greatly complicate and prolong negotiations.
Since focal point of negotiations will in fact be Bangkok rather than Singapore where little if any freedom of action will be left to negotiators, Landon will not proceed to Singapore (refDeptel 18, November 26, 8 p.m.31) unless later developments should so require. GG (abbr[eviation] unknown)32 are asking Timberman to keep us currently informed.
In view attitude governments, it seems likely negotiations will come to quick crisis ending in Siamese capitulation along lines described in mytel referred to above. It is not impossible that accidents may intervene (such as recall of Dening to Batavia or introduction Indo-China border question) which would once more prolong negotiations over many weeks. We suggest Department may wish to set some specific date such as December 20 for resumption diplomatic relations with Siam and so inform British. This would afford British reasonable time for completing negotiations and at same time serve as check on introduction of further complicating factors. We cannot too strongly emphasize unsettling effect on both political and economic conditions [Page 1383] here of continuation of present diplomatic situation vis-à-vis both Britain and US.
- In undated telegram 5, received in the Department on November 19, 9:40 a.m., the Political Advised in Siam stated: “Siamese delegation is by agreement with British returning from Kandy to Bangkok. Negotiations will not be resumed at least until transfer of SAC Political Adviser’s office to Singapore, which is now scheduled for November 23.” (741.92/11–1945)↩
- Not printed: it authorized Mr. Landon to proceed temporarily to Singapore in view of the transfer of British-Siamese negotiations to that city (741.92/11–2645).↩
- Code room notation.↩