892.014/6–1246: Telegram
The Chargé in Siam (Yost) to the Secretary of State
urgent
[Received June 12—1:50 p.m.]
652. Colonel Law returned today from northeast frontier where situation is quiet for present. British observer remaining there temporarily. [Page 1021] Dept’s representations in Paris seem to have had most salutary effect. During Law’s first meeting with French at Vientiane they were wholly uncompromising, taking position Siamese must comply with certain demands and that any Annamite incursions from Siamese side would meet with immediate armed reprisals. Day or two later General Leclerc visited Vientiane and thereafter French attitude became much more conciliatory. Since this is not representative of Leclerc’s normal bent of mind, it may be presumed he was acting under instructions from Paris.
First meeting between French and Siamese local authorities in this area was held Nongkhai June 10 attended by US and British observers and was on whole friendly and fruitful. Agreement reached on some points and Governor of Nongkhai returned to Bangkok to obtain Govt’s consent to others, principal of which are return to French of arms and property carried into Siam by Annamites and reopening of frontier to permit French to purchase food on Siamese side. There were no important incidents during week Law on frontier. He feels that situation had definitely improved but will continue unstable and unpredictable as long as there remain on Siamese side thousands of Indochinese refugees whom Siamese with meagre forces at their disposal cannot disarm or control.
British Minister has recently sent to Foreign Office two telegrams (which he showed me) urging in strongest terms that His Majesty’s Govt take prompt steps to expedite settlement Franco-Siamese controversy. He pointed out that, while question may seem minor, at moment, it may at any time be magnified into major issue either by forcible seizure by French of disputed territories (British in Saigon report hardening of temper there) [or] sponsorship of Siam’s case before UN by either China or Russia, thereby raising issue of imperialist west against colonial east. Minister therefore recommended prompt action along lines joint recommendations set forth my telegram 488, May 8.
Siamese Govt is actively preparing case for presentation to UN under section 35 (2) though it is still undecided whether case will concern only frontier incidents or will also deal with disputed territories. Prince Wan Waithayakon, former adviser to Foreign Office and now Senator, may be sent to New York to conduct case.
We have just seen Deptel 478, June 889 and consider it excellent step. If French, however, refuse to issue statement along desired lines, we see no alternative but return to above mentioned joint recommendations. We agree with Dept’s view (Deptel 458, June 4) that border incidents alone do not warrant Security Council consideration but believe on other hand that question of disputed territories, unless [Page 1022] prompt agreement can be reached between French and Siamese, does warrant such consideration.
Please repeat to AmEmbassies London and Paris.