851G.00/1–747: Telegram
The Minister in Siam (Stanton) to the Secretary of State
28. 1. For some time representatives in Bangkok of free Lao and free Cambodian Govts have been working on memo which would set out in brief form history of relation of states of Lao[s] and Cambodia with France, their grievances against French Govt and conclude with statement their hopes for independence and ultimate establishment federation of states of Southeast Asia. More recently local representatives Vietnam Govt have been drawn into and participated in preparation and drafting this document.
2. This document after many revisions signed on January 1, 1947 by principal representatives in Bangkok of free Lao and free Cambodian groups as well as representative Vietnam Govt and contained appeal to US and UN intervene without delay in situation Indo-China. However, after further consideration, these representatives decided address appeal directly to Secretary General UN19 omitting request for intervention by US.
3. This document given recently by Prince Suphanavan, one of free Lao leaders Bangkok, to Military Attaché20 at which time former expressed hope it might be transmitted to Secretary General of UN thru diplomatic channels. In view present developments Indo-China and other impending developments mentioned following paragraphs it seems advisable to me this document reach Secretary General at early date. I have therefore told Military Attaché he might tell Prince Suphanavan that Legation will endeavor to see that this memo reaches Secretary General of UN. Copy of memo being forwarded to Dept by Legation.21
4. Memo as finally drafted is fairly objective presentation of views and aspirations of the three states. Perhaps two most significant features of document are firstly advocacy of United States or federation of countries of Southeast Asia comprising Burma, Siam, the Malay Federation, United States of Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos and secondly that memo is joint document signed by representatives of free Cambodians, free Laos and Vietnam Govt.
5. As indicated in mytel 7, January 4,22 conditions in provinces of Battambang and Lao territories recently returned to French have been reasonably quiet since retrocession but as indicated in that message it could hardly be expected that free Laos and free Cambodians would [Page 57] remain inactive for any length time. Vietnam Govt by radio and thru its various agents has naturally been working among free Cambodians and free Laos in effort enlist their open support against French and there are numerous indications these efforts have met with favorable and in some instances enthusiastic response. As further indication of probable action by these groups, Military Attaché reports that Tao Au and Prince Suphanavan, two free Lao leaders, have left Bangkok and are headed for Lao territory and that they and their subordinates have dropped vague hints indicating that free Laos hope to be able to oust French from Luang Prabang, force abdication present Lao King and place on throne one of their own number, possibly Prince Petseath.23
6. While Legation has only limited knowledge of recent development in Indo-China, particularly Tonkin area, it appears to me that situation is steadily deteriorating, that present hostilities between Vietnamese and French are likely to spread and that free Laos and free Cambodians may be expected at any time to join in attacks on French, feeling that present developments furnish opportunity achieving their aspirations by force. Result therefore may well be that virtually all of Indo-China will be engulfed in vengeful strife which will still further embitter relations between native peoples of Indo-China and French and result in general chaos. It is also conceivable that neighboring countries in Southeast Asia may become either directly or indirectly involved. It is certain that sympathies of such neighboring countries as Siam, Burma, Malaya and Indonesia lie with Vietnamese, Laotians and Cambodians. Serious and widespread conflagration in Indo-China is therefore matter which may very definitely affect peace of Southeast Asia. In these circumstances it appears to me that situation in Indo-China is one which very definitely comes within purview of UN and more particularly of Security Council. It also raises the question of what if anything US could do by way of offering its good offices to assist in preventing spread of hostilities and in working out of just and equitable solution. It is therefore my earnest hope that Dept will give this whole problem most careful consideration with view to taking such steps as seem desirable and advisable either by offering its good offices or causing this serious situation to be considered by Security Council at early date.24
[Page 58]7. Dept please repeat to Saigon and Paris.
- Trygve Lie.↩
- Col. Reginald F. C. Vance.↩
- Despatch 244, January 13, not printed.↩
- Not printed.↩
- Prince Phetsarat, former Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Luang-Prabang, living in Bangkok.↩
- The Department replied in telegram 14, January 8, 7 p.m., in part as follows: “Dept approves efforts secure info concerning current developments Indochina but does not consider Dept proper channel transmit memoranda to SC from ‘free’ groups claiming represent nationalist movements Indochina. You should therefore return document in question.” (851G.00/1–747) A circular telegram dated January 9, 4 p.m., was sent to London, Moscow, and Nanking, reporting this exchange and adding: “Before taking further action re Indochina we await French official statement after Moutet’s return Paris.” (851G.00/1–947)↩