Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, The Far East, Volume VIII

740.00119 PW/3–1346: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Chargé in the United Kingdom (Gallman)

secret
us urgent

Washington, March 13, 1946—8 p.m.

2266. Brit withdrawal requirement free rice contribution by Siam of which Dept informed subsequent to Instruction 6475 Mar 4 greatly decreases need formal Allied Claims Commission. Dept giving further consideration its suggestion (Deptel 2135, Mar 8²⁶) that uniform principles should be applicable all Allied claims in view complicated French and Chinese situation.

Dept now considers it might be better withdraw suggestion (Deptel 2135, Mar 8) and also not to establish Allied Claims Commission but provide for informal understanding between Brit, US, Australia and possibly Dutch on principles governing appropriate categories, evaluation and settlement their claims along general lines indicated Instructions 6475, Mar 4. Please discuss immediately FonOff and ascertain their views.²⁷ Sent London, repeated Bangkok.

Byrnes

26. Not printed.
27. In telegram 2325, March 15, 6 p.m., the Department authorized London to inform the British Foreign Office that “no formal Allied Claims Commission now necessary”. (740.00119 PW/3–1546) Telegram 3083, March 16, 11 a.m., from London reported the concurrence of the Foreign Office and pointed out that the “British might wish to set up some Anglo-Siamese body to deal only with British claims”. (740.00119 PW/3–1646)