Records of the Bangkok Legation, Lot FI67, 800 Political Affairs: Telegram
The Political Adviser in the India–Burma Theater (Yost) to the Secretary of State
575. Reference Dept’s 1024 Sept 25 through OSS.73 Greatly appreciate Dept’s prompt reply to my 558. Effect has been at least to slow up tempo here. Dening did not meet with Thais until Sept 25 and at that time, contrary to his original intention as stated to me, did not lay down any 24-hour or other time limit within which he expected Thais to comment on draft.
Thais are now studying draft and have also referred it to Bangkok. Their primary concern is with military annex and fact that no time limit is specified for wide powers conferred on “Allied Military Authorities”. They also fear that paragraphs 15 and 16 of agreement may develop into more or less permanent control of their export trade. They will give me further reactions in day or so.
Suni is persistently attempting to learn from me which, if any, clauses of agreement US finds objectionable in order that, as he says, Thais may concert their policy with ours. In the hope that there may be further reconciliation of US and British views within next few days, I have continued to reply merely that my Government is studying draft and discussing it with British. The Dept may wish, however, should it develop that British are adamant on any point we consider vital, to instruct me immediately to advise Thais of our views on that point. It should be kept in mind of course that such advice from us might well cause Thais to refuse to accept point in question and thus result in impasse in negotiations.
French have Foreign Office Delegation in Kandy to negotiate agreement with Siam but negotiations have not yet begun. Dening tells me French draft follows British very closely, though containing one or two additional clauses of petty but irritating nature. I hope to see French representatives today and will report fully.