792.00/11–1452: Telegram
No. 385
The Ambassador in Thailand (Stanton) to the Department of State
863. Dept pass ONI, DEPTAR G–2, AFOIN. Re Embtel 835, Nov 10 and 856 Nov 13.1
Police list of 145 for arrest includes:
- 1.
- Approx 25 to 30 Thai journalists and writers mostly in left-wing press. About 12 of these not yet apprehended.
- 2.
- Approx 70 employees Chi Commie organ Chuan Min Pao. Most of these were unimportant workmen released shortly after arrest but a few writers still held.
- 3.
- Approx 15 other Chi journalists and businessmen—not all caught.
- 4.
- 18 members Commie-dominated Peace Comite of Thai of which 12 not caught as they are out of country, mostly in Peking.
- 5.
- Nine students at Univ Moral Polit Sciences believed responsible for Commie instigation of students. Only five caught so far.
- 6.
- Three Army and three Air Force officers including Squadron Leader Prangphet Bunyarataphan whose arrest touched off the whole wave.
Latest official list shows that counting out those not caught and those already released, 53 suspects actually being held. Also police searched premises of 5 commercial companies and 15 printing businesses allegedly finding Commie propaganda, incriminating documents and some small arms and radio equipment. These included the Andar Co which handles business with [garble] and East European companies.
According to CID chief evidence clearly establishes complex interlocking network, including USSR Leg, Peace Comite of Thai, Chuan Min Pao, contacts in Thai Air Force. Key Thai figure in network said to be Suphat Sukhonthaphirom, known Thai Commie and journalist who thus far escaped capture.
Composition of list suspects shows that despite early indications that action directed primarily against junior officers movement, blow actually fell on real left-wing and pro-Commie elements. It is believed this blow at Commies resulted primarily from insistence [Page 656] by Premier Phibun. Available info suggests that while Phao has dragged feet in dealing with Commies, Phibun in past few months has grown increasingly worried over extension Commie activities and has repeatedly urged Phao take action. Some info indicates that on night Nov 9 Phibun ordered a reluctant Phao directly to follow up Prangphet’s arrest with broad sweep of pro-Commie elements.
Comment: Basis present info indicates increase in Phibun’s stature in govt over recent months. Therefore, these arrests may be first important instance of genuine strong anti-Commie program after four years of hollow promises.
During my call on PriMin yesterday he described recent developments as serious effort on part of Commies to undermine govt. He said govt in possession conclusive evidence that Maj Phrangphet and wife actually turning over maps, diagrams, other data concerning air fields and milit installations to Sov Leg here. He said it also established that AF officer in question working closely with several Thai who govt believes have gone over to Commies. PriMin said he has felt serious concern during past two months over increasing activities of Commies, especially among it Buddhist priests and univ students, particularly students of UMPS. In reply to my inquiry as to whether there was sufficient evidence to prosecute all those arrested, PriMin replied he believed there was good evidence concerning a number Thai who have been particularly active at recent mtgs held in Bangkok in support so-called Peace Conf Peiping.
I also took opportunity calling PriMin’s attention to article which appeared yesterday in one Gen Phao’s newspapers giving rather lengthy acct info said given by Phao at mtg of members of govt legislative group re reasons for arrests carried out by police during past few days. I called PriMin’s particular attn to passages this news story in which Gen Phao referred to info said to have been received thru Brit and US official channels and in which Phao implied Brit and ourselves exerting pressure on Thai Govt and blaming him for not taking action against Commie. News story also states that in reply question put to him by one govt member Parliament as to whether or not arrests made as result “dictation” by Brit and US, Gen Phao replied govt not being dictated to but had been warned or advised to take action since Thai was a partner in fight against communism. Phao also linked up recent action taken by police with receipt of milit and econ aid. I pointed out to PriMin story this kind might well give Thai people erroneous impression govt taking action against Commies because of US and UK pressure. PriMin replied story was “not good” and then added that Phao had issued denial over radio last night. Whatever real feelings and motives of Phao with respect to growing Commie activities [Page 657] in Thai I feel PriMin and Air Chief Marshal Fuen Ronapakat2 both genuinely concerned over Commie activities and that they welcome this opportunity crack down on Commies.
In Parliament Gen Phao led govt in presenting new strong anti-Commie law. This action planned earlier was obviously stepped up as result recent arrests. Reportedly draft bill not distributed to MPs till night Nov 12 and did not appear on agenda. Phao forced bill thru first, second, third and last readings in one day despite normal thirty-day waiting period.
Comment: Emb preparing translation of bill and will forward analysis shortly. Bill appears give all power necessary to suppress any Commie activities. High officials seem completely satisfied with bill. New law will provide acid test of sincerity and effectiveness Thai Govt protestations of opposition to communism as it deprives them of previously overworked excuse that govt had inadequate powers.