892.014/9–446: Telegram
The Minister in Siam (Stanton) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 5—9:50 p.m.]
1012. Department’s telegram 721, August 30. 1. Again impressed upon Foreign Minister serious effect Siem Reap incident upon negotiations [Page 1076] and necessity taking most stringent measures prevent undesirable persons entering French territory or fomenting trouble.83 Foreign Minister reiterated strong instructions issued local officials control refugees and prevent entry into neighboring territory, government being fully aware seriousness situation and much perturbed by French use of incident in connection negotiations. He said would be glad issue immediate instructions Battambang officials give Law and Bulkley all possible assistance in their capacity friendly observers (Department’s telegram 720, August 30).
2. Foreign Minister summarized recent telegrams from Prince Wan and referred particularly latter’s suggestion dispute be arbitrated which Picot said thought French might agree if arbitrated by United States and Great Britain. Foreign Minister wondered whether two governments would want act arbitrators inasmuch as position American and British Governments regarding retrocession disputed territories already made clear. Said, however, proposed instruct Wan agree arbitration if conducted under provisions Article 33 of Charter.
Reiterated importance of decision, no matter how adverse, being reached through medium of United Nations in view of government’s commitments to Assembly and people. Said Wan would alternatively be instructed to make further efforts reach agreement with French by direct negotiation but emphasized any agreement must at least appear to have been reached through Security Council and be announced by that body. Foreign Minister also informed me French suggested Khuang Aphaiwong proceed to Paris further talks and that Siamese Government, to show sincere desire reach agreement, had indicated no objection although it felt Siamese were being treated by French in off-hand manner.
3. There is no doubt that principal desire of Foreign Minister and government is for decision by some body of UN. Believe also from conversations with Foreign Minister now that Siamese prepared to accept much less by way of territorial adjustment than now being asked by delegation (my telegram 882, July 30, paragraph 3).
4. Sent to Department as 1012: repeated to Saigon as 16. Department please repeat to London and Paris.
- Telegram 1003, August 31, from Bangkok reported that the Siamese Foreign Minister had made a statement to Parliament the previous day that the Government of Siam neither instigated, condoned, nor had prior knowledge of the Siem Reap incident (892.014/8–3146).↩