792.5 MAP/8–2250: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Thailand
secret
Washington, August 22,
1950—8 p. m.
167. For Melby. Fol for your info in reaching independent conclusions: During FMACC meeting Aug 17 re present low priority Thai mil aid program, Dept officer gave fol reasons why Thai program shld receive same priority treatment as programs other SEA nations:
- 1.
- Thai is integral part of front against Chinese Communist southward advance with northern borders touching Burma and IC; traditional southward routes travel through Kengtung lead into Thai; Chinese Nationalist troops presently Kengtung cause concern Thai.
- 2.
- Thai Govt offer ground troops assist UN Korea committing Thai aggressive action against communism makes it important give mil aid to Thai high priority as evidence Thai-US mil aid in opposition communism reciprocal whether in Korea or SEA.
- 3.
- Thai’s determination support UN action opposition communism represents political decision most profound importance in Thai-US relations indicating confidence our promises of mil aid to those who aid themselves. In psychological warfare this attitude of prime importance. [Page 135] It would be most destructive to morale Thai if their nation which has supported US–UN objectives more forthrightly than other SEA nations should receive mil aid more slowly than those nations.
Acheson