792.00/6–3051: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Thailand
2156. Dept desires you call upon Prime Minister Phibun earliest possible if he again in control government according Sheldon’s1 unnumbered [Page 1616] telegram June 302 and fully discuss recent developments ascertaining if possible any cabinet changes and particularly whether any changes in foreign policy.
You may then in your discretion convey substance following to him orally:
Dept is happy learn that you are safe and that you have been able to resume charge of government. Dept also glad to learn that you are seeking to stop fighting among armed forces and to restore peace and tranquility and requests you do everything possible protect American lives and property. Dept. keeping Lady Phibun3 and Thai Embassy fully informed. Ambassador Stanton sends you his personal greetings and is much relieved you are safe.4
- Col. Charles A. Sheldon, U.S.A., Military Attaché, U.S. Embassy, Bangkok.↩
- Not printed.↩
- Wife of Prime Minister Pibulsonggram.↩
- On June 29, a small group of naval officers kidnapped the Prime Minister at a ceremony for turning over the ECA dredge Manhattan to the Thai Government. The Prime Minister was held for thirty-one hours and finally released after a twenty-four hour battle culminating in the defeat of the small rebel group and in the sinking of the Thai flagship from which the Prime Minister made a dramatic escape while the ship burned.↩