Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1945, The British Commonwealth, The Far East, Volume VI

740.00119 PW/9–2145: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Commissioner in India (Merrell)⁵⁹

Washington, September 21, 1945—6 p.m.

733. Deptel 673, Sep 6. For Yost.⁶⁰ Dept would have preferred Brit and French negotiations with Siamese political mission not held at Kandy whether at SEAC headquarters or otherwise (Wartel Crax 28172 Wheeler, Sep 16 and Wartel Tst 504 Oakes, Sep 17⁶¹) but under all circumstances does not consider further protest desirable.

In view of Siamese negotiations Dept considers that if agreeable to Wheeler it would be helpful to have Yost at Kandy.

Yost authorized in his discretion to inform Siamese political mission that because acquired with Japanese suasion after Japanese aggression commenced, US does not recognize validity of 1941 transfer Indochinese territories to Siam and considers territories must be restored. US position is not to be considered as supporting or opposing merits of pre-1941 border and is without prejudice to subsequent border readjustments or territorial transfers by peaceful, orderly processes.

Proposed French terms not known here and should be ascertained as soon as possible. US would not object to reasonable provisions no more onerous than Brit Heads of Agreement without Military Annex if modified as US has requested. US would oppose more onerous terms and understands Brit will not support French negotiations except with regard restoration Indochinese territories. Brit have furnished French with Brit Heads of Agreement but not, it is believed, Military Annex.

Embassy London reported Sep 8⁶² that Sterndale Bennett, head Far East Division FonOff, believes Indochinese territorial status quo ante should first be restored and after passions cool fresh start might be commenced. Brit would have no great objection, he implied, if Siamese inserted some phrase that agreement for return of territories was not prejudicial to subsequent negotiations on Indochinese boundary problems.

Sent to New Delhi for Yost. Repeated to Colombo for Yost.

Acheson

59. Repeated to Colombo as telegram 104.
60. Charles W. Yost on September 12 was designated Chargé d’Affaires at Bangkok and given temporary assignment as Political Adviser to the Commanding General of United States Army Forces in the India–Burma Theater. Yost was in New Delhi at this time, en route to his post at Bangkok.
61. Neither found in Department files.
62. In telegram 9224, p. 1315.