851.00/5–3146: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Siam (Yost)
458. Paris reported May 31:80
“Baudet stated that while French Govt intended to take firm stand diplomatically, renewed instructions had been issued to authorities [Page 1014] in Indochina to do everything possible to avoid further incidents, even though they feel responsibility up to now has been purely Siamese. Re delay in receipt of report from French authorities in Indochina, Baudet stated local military commander considered incident of such little importance he had made no report until specifically asked for one. Re suggestion French representative be sent to Bangkok Baudet stated it was ‘obviously impossible to send diplomatic representative to country with which one was still technically at war’”.
French Embassy at direction FonOff has informed Dept that France would oppose any examination of Siamese complaint by Security Council; that support of such examination by US even if complaint placed on agenda by other country or by Siam under Art 35 (2) would create unfavorable reaction France; that Siam has different status from other countries appealing UN because of existence state of hostilities with France; and that consideration of “tendentious” Siamese complaint would endanger UN prestige.
For your info US has no present intention place Siamese Communication on Council agenda under Art. 35 (1) but would of course support Security Council discussion if matter is placed on agenda. On basis present info Dept does not consider border incidents warrant placement on agenda.
D’Argenlieu’s report states French attacked Laos band crossing from Siam and followed into Siam, withdrew within three hours and no further incident occurred. He also accused Siamese Govt active complicity aiding Laos and Annamese “rebels” mentioning documents captured, messages intercepted, and Siamese soldiers in Siamese uniform found among Laos dead in Indochina.
- Telegram 2654, not printed.↩