Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, East Asia and the Pacific, Volume XII, Part 2

690B.9321/7–2353: Telegram

No. 85
The Chargé in Thailand (Brown) to the Department of State¹

secret

Bangkok, July 23, 1953—5 p.m.

191. From Brown and Sebald. Following contains results our careful review Joint Committee negotiations to date:

Three principal points remain for solution: Chinese civilian internee problem; Thai unwillingness assume transport expenses; and whether Chinese will agree evacuation, how many and when.

We believe first two problems can be settled by negotiation. Third problem is crux of matter and we base our conclusions below on full discussion with US representatives, Colonel I and Colonel Chatichai² (Thai representative).

On basis Chinese actions to date, we conclude deliberations of Committee have now reached critical stage where further meetings will perforce be primarily for purpose avoid complete breakdown. We have impression Chinese Government has sent strawmen who lack authorization make firm decisions and whose actions are inhibited by what appear to be instructions to delay. One cannot help feel Chinese generals on one hand and Taipei on other are throwing ball back and forth in endeavor postpone positive action.

In meantime, as Department aware, Burmese are proceeding with plans for presentation their report UNGA in September session. We, nevertheless, believe it essential Committee continue its deliberations, regardless how ineffective results might be, until that time in order minimize possibility placing onus on US Government for not having done utmost assist on good offices basis find practical solution.

Taipei’s 45, last clause,³ suggests hopeful development but on basis previous similar assurances we are not sanguine these instructions will be carried out or wholeheartedly followed by local Chinese representatives. It seems to us problem cannot be solved unless some more effective means found by Chinese Government enforce its stated policy. We suggest President Chiang’s orders given either to Li Mi or to jungle generals through Colonel I as Chinese Government representative be unmistakably firm and clear that Committee’s evacuation plan must be complied with to maximum possible extent. Should this fail, Department might wish consider requesting Chinese Government completely disavow any connection whatsoever with so-called KMT troops in Burma.

We are gratified with excellent and persistent work performed Colonel Palmer and US Army members his representation. We believe that they have done everything which can be done bring about solution but that they must have stronger political support vis-à-vis Chinese Government.

Brown

1. Repeated to Rangoon and Taipei.
2. Col. Chatichai Choonhaven.
3. The last clause of telegram 45, July 20, stated that, according to Foreign Minister Yeh, Li Mi sent new instructions to Bangkok designating Li Wen-pin as his representative and instructing the latter to carry out President Chiang’s instructions to cooperate in withdrawing the largest possible number of troops. (690B.9321/7–2053)