751.92/8–2745: Telegram
The Chargé in France (Fullerton) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:30 p.m.]
5178. Department’s instruction 1285, August 6, regarding French relations with Thailand was discussed today with De Lageneste32 of Foreign Office. He stated that while no formal declaration of war has ever been made France considers itself in state of hostilities with Thailand which may be considered to date from November 27, 1940, when Thai Air Force bombed Indo-Chinese territory. Present French Government does not recognize convention of May 1941 and consequently considers state of hostilities arising from Thai aggression never to have been terminated.
Moreover French Government considers note of London Committee December 8, 1941 pledging assistance in Pacific to have applied to Thailand as ally of Japan.
De Lageneste stated categorically that French Government does not recognize any international agreements concluded by Vichy Government, including convention of May 9, 1941, between France and Thailand signed in Tokyo. In addition French Government considers this convention doubly invalid because prior to its signature there was at French insistence exchange of letters between French representative in Japan and Japanese Government recognizing that convention was forced on France by Japan.
De Lageneste considers that recent proclamation of Regent of Thailand33 (Radio Bulletin 199, August 19) constitutes a renunciation of [Page 1296] territorial gains since January 25, 1942. While admitting that selection of date of declaration of war against United States was natural in proclamation of this type De Lageneste expressed hope that Thai Government would also specifically renounce territorial gains from Indochina acquired before that date.
De Lageneste was asked if French Government had considered taking any steps to regularize its relations with Thailand. He replied that he assumed such steps would be taken in due course but felt that they must be preceded by statement from Thai Government relinquishing territorial gains in Indochina and withdrawal of Thai forces to previous frontier.