492.00234/6–1750: Telegram
The Ambassador in Thailand (Stanton) to the Secretary of State
536. Mytel 482, June l.1 1. Discussed arms smuggling with Prime Minister this morning (June 16) at some length. Told Prime Minister US Government seriously concerned problem smuggling arms to Vietminh Communists, that we very desirous stopping this traffic which aided Communists their plans seize control IC other countries SEA and that US Government looked to Thailand Government for full cooperation in stopping traffic both in Thailand’s own interest and as contribution to efforts being made prevent spread Communism SEA.
2. Prime Minister said he prepared cooperate this problem. He said in recent discussion with French Ambassador he had suggested establish small sub-committee Thailand national security commission for liaison purposes and exchange information. He suggested to me this sub-committee to be composed of officers from military, police and Department Interior, should meet once week with Military Attachés of US, French and British Embassies. I said I thought this would be useful practical step and urged early implementation this arrangement.
3. Following further discussion my French and British colleagues we expect our respective Military Attachés will meet next week for initial exchange and implementation discussion whole problem preparatory regular meetings with Siamese group.2 I have also discussed problem with Philippine colleague and Philippine Military Attaché will confer with Attaches above mentioned next week. Philippine Minister feels following break-up of arms smuggling syndicate in Philippines which included Americans Murray and Simmons as well as Filipinos, that arms smuggling activities from Philippines through Thailand have fallen off very considerably.
[Page 103]Department pass Paris, London; sent Department 536, repeated Saigon 39, Manila 44.
- Not printed.↩
- In. telegram 570, June 29, Ambassador Stanton reported that the military attachés of the United States, Britain, France, and the Philippines had discussed arms smuggling on June 23 (492.00234/6–2950). The first meeting with Thai officials occurred on July 11. In telegram 47, July 14, Stanton described that session as a “useful beginning.” (492.00234/7–1450)↩