892.014/12–1746
The Minister in Siam (Stanton) to the Secretary of State
No. 208
[Received January 14, 1947.]
Sir: I have the honor to refer to various telegraphic reports submitted by the Legation26 in regard to the retrocession of territories to the French in conformity with the agreement concluded on November 17, 1946 between the French and Siamese Governments, and to submit herewith a more detailed account, prepared by Vice Consul Dwight Bulkley, of the actual transfer of the two provinces of Phratabong (Battambang) and Phibun Songgram.
Summary
The transfer of the provinces of Phratabong and Phibun Songgram to the French military authorities was completed on Monday, the 9th of December, with the last two Siamese trains departing at 1630 and 1715 hours.
The cordial atmosphere which prevailed between the Siamese and French members of the Mixed Commission during the greater part of the period of transfer was somewhat strained during the last two days, due largely to the fact that both the Siamese and French had originally been most eager to rush the transfer through, without utilizing the full period authorized in the Protocol, and to failure to anticipate and later to guard against Cambodian sabotage of the lines of communication. In consequence, just before the transfer was completed, [Page 1105] the French accused the Siamese of being too hasty, forgetting their own original desire for haste. Furthermore, the burning of bridges and finally the town of Ban Tha Sai by Free Cambodians provided material for charges and counter-charges on both sides. The fact remains, however, that the transfer of these two provinces was effected with less friction and fewer incidents than had been anticipated, which may be attributed in general to the restraint and spirit of cooperation which animated both the French and Siamese authorities and in paticular to the tact and ability of Colonel Roux, head of the French delegation to the Mixed Commission, and Lieutenant Thavil Ravangbai, Governor of Phratabong.
On November 22, upon receipt of invitations extended by the Siamese Government and the French Legation, in accordance with the Protocol of the Agreement, for the attachment of American observers to the Mixed Commission, the Legation replied accepting the invitations and proposing that the Military and Naval Attaches of this Legation, or alternate members of their staffs, and Vice Consul Dwight Bulkley be attached to the Commission as American observers. Copies of the communications exchanged with the Siamese and French authorities are enclosed.27
Accordingly, on November 24 two American observers, Lt. Hunter and Vice Consul Bulkley, accompanied the Siamese and French members of the Mixed Commission on the special train which carried it to Phratabong. The train arrived at 1700 to be greeted by the Governor and other senior officials of the province. [Here follow further details of the Siamese retrocession of territories to the French, including the initial meeting of Siamese and French members of the Mixed Commission on November 25; the arrival of Lieutenant Colonel Law as the third American observer the same day; the arrival of the two British observers on November 28; the signature of an agreement by the Siamese and French Delegations on December 4, calling for French occupation of Pak Phraek on December 6, Phailin on the 7th, and Phratabong on the 8th; the request by the French to delay occupation of Phratabong because of the burning of various bridges; and the occupation of Phratabong on the 9th. The account closed with the Minister stating: “The presence of American and British observers was a factor which contributed materially to the relatively smooth transfer of these territories.”]
Respectfully yours,