892.014/11–246: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Siam (Stanton)
870. French Govt has proposed that details transfer territories pursuant protocol similar 1941 protocol to be signed same time as Agreement [Page 1098] should be determined by Mixed French-Siamese Commission comprising on French side 1 colonel, 11 staff officers and 4 civilians. Civilians to be 1 French and 1 Cambodian and 1 French and Laotian official. Seat Mixed Commission to be Battambang with units Sisiphon, Moung, Kralank, and Bassac. When French Chargé reaches Bangkok12 additional unit Bangkok. Brit and American observers to be attached Mixed Commission, presumably Brit officers now in area (London reported agreeable) and some officers AmLeg (possibly Law, Hunter and Bulkley. If more desired, War Dept willing send from US on 10 days’ notice).
Prince Wan informing his Govt French proposal. He desires unit corresponding Bangkok liaison unit also at Saigon. Georges-Picot personally agreeable and querying Paris. For your info Wan also desires Mixed Commission continue beyond period transfer, possibly through period Conciliation Commission. He has not informed French of this.
All here agreed immediate establishment Mixed Commission desirable to commence functions immediately protocol signed. Picot hopes Agreement and protocol can be concluded week Nov. 4.
Sent Bangkok. Repeated Paris, London and Saigon.
- In a memorandum of conversation, October 22, Mr. Moffat had stated that Mr. Georges-Picot “thought as soon as the projet was signed diplomatic relations should be resumed by sending a Chargé to Bangkok and that this should not wait upon restoration of the status quo ante as provided in the projet; that obviously having a Charge in Bangkok who possibly could send observers to the territories in dispute would be an important safeguard.” (892.014/10–2246)↩