711.56392/5–1554: Telegram
No. 424
The Ambassador in Thailand (Donovan) to the Department of State1
niact
2278. Recommend informal discussion earliest with Thai Foreign Minister, relative establishment fighter-bomber bases in Thailand. Reference Radford’s concern over immobilizing aviation unit, believe clarification required. I do not propose establishment major USAF bases here, rather development minimum facilities for field operations USAF fighter-bomber units on rotational basis. Such units would be rotated every 3 to 6 months. Deployment of SAC units annually for periods of 3 months is method used to maintain mobility not to lose it. Some permanent party personnel and small quantity fixed facilities required, however, bulk of equipment and facilities air transportable. It is emphasized that the essential factor is establishment of air base on Thai soil upon which US operating personnel are stationed and from which US fighter-bomber squadron may operate.
Upon his return to Bangkok today Prime Minister told me Thailand is constant in its support of US. He added he had seen and approved statement by his Chief of Defense General Staff referred to final paragraph reference telegram.2
- Repeated to Geneva as telegram 3.↩
- Reference is to Document 419.↩