Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, The Far East, Volume VIII

892.014/6–1446: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Harriman) to the Secretary of State

secret
us urgent

London, June 14, 1946—7 p.m.
[Received June 14—4:11 p.m.]

5970. Wilson-Young⁹⁰ has given us long memorandum regarding French-Siamese border dispute which also deals with Siamese letter to UN and Siam’s application for membership United Nations. Following is summary of memorandum:

1. It begins by pointing out that undoubtedly in recent incidents faults have been on both sides. FonOff recognizes any Siamese Govt would meet with strong adverse reaction from public opinion if it were to retrocede disputed territories but that at same time French can justifiably complain Siamese Govt have deliberately procrastinated in hope of making bargain out of what should be unconditional return of territories received at hands of Japs.

2. His Majesty’s Govt is in full agreement with previously expressed US view that British and US representatives in Bangkok should jointly urge upon Siamese immediate retrocession of territories. British Minister, Bangkok, has therefore been instructed to approach Siamese Govt accordingly as soon as his US colleague receives similar instructions. Thompson has further been instructed to emphasize that unless territories are restored without delay, Siamese will find themselves in false position if and when their candidature fortuno [for the UNO?] comes up for consideration. Meanwhile French and Siamese Govts should make further efforts to reach mutually satisfactory solution of problems created by retrocession. In regard recent incidents Thompson is to express hope of His Majesty’s Govt that Siamese Govt will continue to maintain its present policy of restraint and will make every effort to exercise effective border control.

3. Regarding suggested approach to French Govt, His Majesty’s Govt feels in view latest French démarche in London and Washington⁹¹ it might be preferable in first instance to approach Siamese along lines indicated paragraph two above and that thereafter French Govt might be informed of representations made to Bangkok and might be advised from their own point of view to clarify their position publicly along lines suggested Dept’s 4585, June 8.⁹² At same time it might be intimated to France that if it wishes to avoid reference of boundary dispute to UN it should do all it can to make it possible for Siamese Govt to justify restitution of disputed territories before Siamese public opinion.

4. His Majesty’s Govt hopes therefore that Dept may be willing to instruct Yost to make parallel approach with Thompson to Siamese Govt along lines indicated paragraph two and meanwhile to instruct US Ambassador, Paris, to defer approach to French until after representations have been made at Bangkok.

5. His Majesty’s Govt has also been considering its attitude towards Siamese appeal to Secretary General of UN” and towards memo Siamese Chargé, Washington, has sent Lie setting out in detail Siamese complaints against French authorities in Indochina. Lie has also received letter from Siamese Foreign Minister expressing earnest desire Siam to join United Nations and inquiring whether Siam might be admitted in near future.

6. Cadogan⁹³ has reported he understands Lie does not at present propose to invite consideration by Security Council of Siamese Premier’s appeal and that appeal has been circulated to members of Council to give them chance of expressing their views. His Majesty’s Govt feels best course would be for Lie to make purely formal acknowledgment of appeal and to memorandum from Siamese Chargé and Cadogan has been instructed to consult his US Colleague on this basis. In view evident desirability of British and US representatives adopting similar attitude, His Majesty’s Govt trusts US Govt may be willing to send parallel instructions to its Security Council representative.

7. In regard Siam’s application for UN membership, His Majesty’s Govt are authorizing Thompson to inform Siamese Govt that while His Majesty’s Govt would be happy to support Siam’s application it would advise Siamese not to press for immediate consideration of their application which in present circumstances would certainly be blocked by France.

Sent Dept 5970; repeated Paris 457 for the Secretary and Embassy.

Harriman

90. Ian A. D. Wilson-Young, Head of the South-East Asia Section, British Foreign Office.
91. See note of Tune 3 from the French Embassy, p. 1010.
92. This was a repeat of telegram 2749 to Paris, p. 1016.
93. Sir Alexander Cadogan, British Representative at the United Nations.