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

892.014/8–646: Telegram

The Minister in Siam (Stanton) to the Secretary of State

secret
us urgent

Bangkok, August 6, 1946—5 p.m.
[Received 7:40 p.m.]

908. Deptel 642, August 1.

1. French proposals which were [received] Saturday, August 3 were communicated by me to Prime Minister same day. I explained carefully to Prime Minister Dept’s observations as set forth under paragraph 2 and also procedural and other technical difficulties which Dept considers likely arise in consideration of dispute by Security Council. Paragraph 5 not communicated to Prime Minister. Requested Prime Minister to give careful consideration French proposals and inform me if possible before departure of delegation whether govt would agree in principle to proposals. Prime Minister stated because of elections matter could not be considered by Cabinet until morning August 6.

2. Foreign Minister informed me this afternoon Cabinet had considered proposals and had decided to agree to same in principle and had given delegation very broad powers, but that with respect to proposal E regarding withdrawal of complaint from Security Council Cabinet felt this point should be left in “abeyance” until delegation had had time to discuss point with Dept and French. In connection with proposal E, Foreign Minister again referred to authority granted by Assembly to place dispute before Security Council.⁵²

3. Foreign Minister said Cabinet and particularly Prime Minister felt proposals were hopeful sign.

Stanton

52. The substance of paragraphs numbered 1 and 2 was communicated to the French Embassy in a memorandum of August 7 (892.014/8–746).