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

892.014/6–1446: Telegram

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

secret

Washington, June 22, 1946—2 p.m.

4914. 1. In view Siamese decision submit Indochina frontier question UN accepting in advance obligations pacific settlement US believes no further approach regarding return of territories should be made. Bangkok being instructed⁹⁷ not to join with Brit Min (urtel 5970, June 14). You may inform FonOff that Dept had already reached conclusion that steps proposed would not produce results desired and would only create adverse sentiment which might have serious practical consequences unless approach to French along lines Deptel 4585, June 8⁹⁸ were made at same time.

2. Accordingly Dept instructing Paris⁹⁹ not approach Bidault and is orally informing French Emb¹ in response French note that on May 31 Am Chargé in conversation with FonMin reiterated US policy on disputed territories and that President June 7 in response PriMin’s personal message of May 27 telegraphed in part “American Ambassador at Paris has called attention of French Govt to border incidents and has urged all possible steps be taken avoid further incidents Siam-Indochina border which might create misunderstanding. I take this opportunity urge you likewise do all in your power control any unruly elements on Siamese side of border which might endanger peaceful conditions.”²

3. PriMin replied President that Siam would continue adhere firmly peaceful policy, preventive measures have already been ordered and such other measures as necessary will be taken to further return peaceful conditions so fervently desired by Govt and people of Siam.

4. Bangkok reported June 18³ that Brit Min instructed acting alone urge Siamese not apply membership at this time because of certain French veto and also urge Siamese not bring border incidents before SC. Dept unwilling offer Siamese advice on membership application, but Bangkok instructed indicate to Siamese that on basis information received own observers and in light subsequent Siamese and French assurances that all efforts will be made to prevent border incidents Dept considers border incidents would appear not warrant presentation SC as a dispute and to be irrelevant issue of disputed territories.

5. Dept’s views membership question follows separately.⁴

6. Sent London. Repeated to New York.

Acheson

97. Telegram 521, June 22, 2 p.m., not printed; it noted that the Department fully concurred in the views set forth in Bangkok’s telegram 684, June 18, p. 1024.
98. This was a repeat of telegram 2749 to Paris, p. 1016.
99. Telegram 3017, June 22,2 p.m., not printed.
1. See memorandum by the Acting Assistant Chief of the Division of Western European Affairs, June 24, p. 1028.
2. For full text of President Truman’s response, see p. 1016.
3. Telegram 684, p. 1024.
4. See telegram 105 to New York, infra.