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

892.014/4–846: Telegram

The Chargé in Siam (Yost) to the Secretary of State

secret

Bangkok, April 8, 1946—4 p.m.
[Received 6:52 p.m.]

353. Siamese Mission headed by brother former Prime Minister Khuang²⁶ left for Saigon today together with D’Argenlieu²⁷ and French Minister of Colonies²⁸ now in Saigon. Mission exploratory in character as previously outlined to me by Foreign Minister.²⁹ (Reference paragraph 5 mytel 285, March 26³⁰). I repeated to Foreign Minister at that interview US views on restoration Indochina territories. (ReDeptel 202 March 29³¹) Siamese seem reconciled to restoration but still hope for later “generous gesture” on part of French. Our views thereon set forth mytel 202, March 9 [29]. Foreign Minister has promised to keep us fully informed course negotiations.

Yost

26. Pridi Phanomyong succeeded Khuang Aphaiwong as Prime Minister on March 25, 1946.
27. Adm. Thierry d’Argenlieu, French High Commissioner for Indochina.
28. Marius Moutet.
29. Direk Chainam, also known as Direck Jayanam.
30. Not printed; this paragraph stated: “Direk said he is recommending to Cabinet that French negotiations be inaugurated by despatch private mission to Saigon rather than immediate formal negotiations Singapore. He feels it better ground be first explored informally rather than risking impasse in formal negotiations. Upon being asked my opinion I said that modus did not seem to me important as long as action was rapid and clear cut along lines previously recommended by US and British Governments. Direk indicated he felt Siam had no alternative but to accept these recommendations.” (892.00/3–2646)
31. Not printed, but see footnote 25, p. 986.