751G.92/5–2646: Telegram

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

secret
immediate

554. Prime Minister called British Minister and myself to his residence this afternoon to inform us of further frontier incident. All French at Tha Baw returned to Indochina last evening but early this morning 80 French, later joined by an additional 600, crossed Mekong west of Vientiane and occupied and looted Siamese village [Page 1004] of Ba Maw. According to lastest report, they are proceeding eastward along Siamese bank of river toward village of Sri Chieng Mai. Siamese did not resist and there have been no casualties.

Prime Minister inquired whether we thought time had come to resist these incursions by force. British Minister and I repeated what we had said to Foreign Minister Friday (mytel 546, May 24) and urged he not do so, pointing out this would excite French and might lead to large scale hostilities. Prime Minister said he is sending clear telegram direct to Secretary General of UNO in addition to message Bhakdi has already been instructed to deliver. Prime Minister assured us he is taking vigorous steps to control Indochinese refugees in Siam and believes most have been disarmed. We doubt, however, that it has been possible to disarm substantial proportion.

Siamese public opinion is becoming increasingly excited and if incidents continue, govt may feel obliged to resist by force. Furthermore, continuation of incidents is certain to have discouraging effect on rice sowing in fertile northeastern are. We recommend, therefore, that: (1) French again be asked urgently to control their local commanders on frontier, (2) Clarac be encouraged to come at once to Bangkok (mytel 546, May 24), and (3) British Foreign Office be pressed to approve promptly joint recommendations contained mytel 488, May 8.

US and British observers being sent to scene of latest incidents as soon as transportation can be provided.

Yost