484A.008/5–1150: Telegram
The Ambassador in Thailand (Stanton) to the Secretary of State
410. Depcirtel May 4. 1. Seriously doubt whether formal conference on arms smuggling and suppression would achieve any practical results.
2. We believe that at formal conference countries would officially deny involvement. Therefore, extremely doubtful whether Thailand, for instance, would wish participate such conference since she would be one of principal targets of conference. Thailand, Philippines in particular more likely antagonized by holding formal conference and obviously without their willing cooperation, little can be achieved. Furthermore, while there has been considerable smuggling arms into Vietnam from Philippines through Thailand, main source supply such arms in future will almost certainly be Communist China. Regarding that source there is little conference could do. Stoppage arms [Page 93] smuggling from Philippines would be very limited benefits so long as arms can be poured across China-Indochina border.
3. My own feeling is much more can be accomplished by:
- (a)
- Repeated strong but friendly diplomatic representations to Thai Government;
- (b)
- Greater efforts on part French authorities reach working agreement with Thai Government on measures prevent smuggling (such effort about to be made by French Ambassador here);
- (c)
- Further representations to Philippine Government prevent smuggling arms out of Philippines;
- (d)
- We, British, French, tighten up own controls prevent smuggling arms.
4. Re reaction Thai Government do not believe government would welcome holding such conference here or would be particularly anxious participate for reasons mentioned above. Furthermore, must be borne in mind Thai Government decision recognize Bao Dai not popular and many Thailand still think of Ho Chi Minh as Nationalist fighting for independence against French. Therefore, strict enforcement measures stop arms smuggling not easy in face such public sentiment. Arms conference here rather pointedly aimed at Thailand and Philippines would not, we fear, make Thai Government’s task any easier.