751G.92/5–846: Telegram
The Chargé in Siam (Yost) to the Secretary of State
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[Received May 9—6:50 p.m.]
496. Remytel 488, May 7 [8]. Prime Minister called in British Minister and myself this evening to present latest developments in border clash.
Governor of Nakorn Phanom reports that this morning two French officers accompanied by British liaison officer crossed Mekong and demanded that he immediately return to [the] French refugees who have crossed into Siam, as well as any arms Siamese may have taken from refugees. Governor said such action would be contrary to his instructions and asked for time to consult Bangkok. French refused and said if demand not complied with by 6:00 this evening they would bombard town. Governor is evacuating women and children.
Prime Minister asked British Minister and myself whether, if French bombard town or cross Mekong, Siamese should resist or withdraw. We advised strongly Siamese withdraw and avoid any armed clash with French. We said we had yesterday recommended that our Govts urge French to desist from hostile action and we hoped our govts would do so promptly and French would comply. Prime Minister agreed to order withdrawal. He suggested we send observers to area and we agreed. (Major Thompson43 will be US observer.) British Minister suggested that Prime Minister also send to D’Argenlieu and Paris official protest against “act of aggression”. Prime Minister will do so and has asked to use British and US channels since he has no rapid means of communication with Paris and Saigon.
We strongly reiterate recommendation contained mytel 487, May 744 that Dept make immediate representations to French Govt.