892.01/9–2545: Telegram
The Consul at Colombo (Oakes) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:50 p.m.]
219. From Yost. Reference my September 24 thru War Department. Suni of Thai Delegation called on me September 24. He stated Thais had not yet seen British draft agreement but are meeting with Dening September 25. He inquired whether we had in fact seen draft and whether we considered any part objectionable. I limited myself to stating that we had received draft but are still studying and discussing it with British.
Suni said Delegation had full power to negotiate but could not conclude agreement without referring to Bangkok. He expressed especial apprehension at long term economic controls which he feared British might attempt to impose. He felt that strategic arrangements were for negotiation with United Nations Organization rather than with British alone. He said that he was instructed to keep in close touch with me throughout negotiations.
He said British had indicated Thais would also be expected to negotiate agreement with French at Kandy but Thais did not consider they had been at war with France and saw no reason to negotiate with French agreement analogous to that with British.
In regard to Siam-Indochina frontier, Suni expressed view that, the transfer of territory having been freely negotiated with recognized French Government of the day, Siam is justified in holding its gains. I took the opportunity to state the view set forth in third paragraph of Department’s 104, September 21 to Colombo.69
Suni stated that his Government is extremely eager to see the prompt reopening of Thais [United States?] Legation in Bangkok and added that the Pibul treaties with Japan had now been definitively abrogated.70 [Yost.]