892.014/6–746: Telegram
President Truman to the Siamese Prime Minister (Pridi)82
I have read with interest your message of May 27 in regard to incidents occuring on the Siam–Indochina border and appreciate your statements indicating Siam’s desire to maintain peaceful conditions and to continue to provide the maximum quantity of rice to the famine stricken areas of the world.
The American Ambassador at Paris has called the attention of the French Govt to the border incidents and has urged that all possible steps be taken to avoid further incidents on the Siam–Indochina border which might create misunderstanding. I take this opportunity to urge that you likewise do all in your power to control any unruly elements on the Siamese side of the border which might endanger peaceful conditions.
- Transmitted to the Chargé in Siam in telegram 472. President Truman discussed Siam with the Appointed Minister to Siam (Stanton) when the latter called to pay his respects on May 29. Mr. Stanton’s memorandum of that date read: “With reference to Siam, the President stated that he was very much interested in that country and had always hoped that it might be possible for him to visit it some day. The President stated that we had shown our interest in and friendly feelings toward the Siamese people in a number of ways and, in this connection, mentioned recent representations made to the French Government regarding the border incidents. The President said that we were anxious to see normal conditions established in Siam in order that trade may be resumed with that country and also with other neighboring countries. The President inquired regarding the rice program. Mr. Stanton stated he understood that the situation had improved. The President said he hoped that exports of rice would steadily increase.” (123 Stanton, Edwin F/5–2946)↩