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

892.014/5–746: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Caffery)

secret

Washington, August 9, 1946—8 p.m.

4001. French Emb on instructions despatched prior receipt Siamese acceptance court proposals informed Dept. Aug. 8:

1. French Govt informed Prince Vanvaidyakorn has suggested secret and direct negotiations between Siamese and French⁵⁹ with view final settlement outstanding issues and if agreement reached it should be recognized and proclaimed by SC.

2. French Govt prepared to stick by its proposals submit case Int Court. If however Siamese prefer direct negotiations French agreeable following conditions:

(a) Negotiations Wash with Bonnet and Lacoste for French.

(b) No dealings with Prince Vanvaidyakorn but other members delegation acceptable.

(c) If US agrees, continued use US good offices but close liaison also Brit Emb.

(d) Basis negotiations French draft treaty submitted Siamese in Apr modified in accordance Dept observations (Deptel 2231, May 10⁶⁰).

3. French request US views acceptability plan and US good offices in ascertaining whether Siamese delegation desires direct negotiations as above or negotiate in accordance first French proposals.

Dept informed French Emb today US willing ascertain if Siamese delegation disposed and empowered negotiate direct settlement but in view strong American pressure secure Siamese acceptance first French proposals US unwilling initially take more positive action or present details alternative proposals. Willing however extend good offices both sides in aiding settlement whatever procedure both countries decide. Dept also expressed hope French Emb in any negotiations would receive widest latitude to prevent personality problems interfering successful conclusion some agreement.

For your info Dept considers although modified agreement might have offered successful basis negotiations last spring direct settlement unlikely present conditions unless treaty while recognizing invalidity 1941 Convention also includes some border rectifications.

Sent Paris as no. 4001. Repeated London as no. 5953 and Bangkok as no. 674.

Acheson

59. In a memorandum of the conversation with officials of the French Embassy on August 9, Mr. Moffat noted: “We did state that we concurred with the French view that any such negotiations should be carried on without publicity in Washington rather than in New York and that we had already received assurance from the Siamese Chargé that the delegation would come directly to Washington.” (892.014/8-946)
60. Not printed; it summarized the oral communication handed to the French Minister on May 9, p. 994.