892.014/1–946: Telegram
The Chargé in Siam (Yost) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 12—6:22 a.m.]
23. Gist of Dept’s serial No. 2, January 2 has been conveyed to Seni. He personally is reconciled to line of action in accordance with Dept’s ideas but is not certain that rest of Cabinet will go along. However, in view of importance of issue and imminence of formation of new Cabinet,14 he is inclined to adjourn action until assembly meets and new Cabinet set up. Likelihood is therefore that, unless strong pressure develops from some source, no further action on question will be taken before end of this month. Pradit15 inclines to conciliatory settlement of issue but is confronted by public attitude, which most of political leaders share, which is more united, inflamed and intransigent on Indochina frontier question than on another [any other] issue in Siamese domestic or foreign politics. Meanwhile Saigon radio is conducting violent campaign for return of territories [Page 983] to French and recently stated that, unless territories were returned, France would prevent entry of Siam into UNO.
Landon and Cummings16 left January 7 for week’s motor trip through disputed territories.
- Khuang Aphaiwong became Siamese Prime Minister on January 31, 1946.↩
- Pridi Phanomyong, Regent until the return of the King to Siam, December 1945. Despite the termination of his official position, he remained the leading political personality in Siam. The names “Pridi”, “Pradit”, and “Pradist” are used interchangeably.↩
- Kenneth P. Landon, Assistant Chief of the Division of Southeast Asian Affairs, and William II. Cummings, Agricultural Officer, both of the Department of State, were on temporary duty with the American Legation at Bangkok. In telegram 34, January 12, 11 a.m., the Chargé at Bangkok stated: “Landon reports after trip covering disputed Cambodian territories and crossing into Indochina that no sign of unrest among people or of military forces on either side of border. Reports of likelihood of armed conflict seem to originate only with Saigon radio and Bangkok press. French problem with Annamites probably too difficult to permit French making any physical move against Siam at present time”. (892.014/1–1246)↩