751G.00/4–3053: Telegram
The Ambassador in Thailand (Stanton) to the Department of State
[Received May 1—7:02 a.m.]
2146. Department pass Paris. Repeated information Paris 9, Saigon 52, Vientiane, Phnom Penh unnumbered. I called on Prime Minister1 yesterday and discussed invasion of Laos by Viet-Minh. He said Cabinet has just concluded lengthy review of situation including first, security and defense measures to be taken by Thailand Government and second, French requests for certain accommodations.
With respect first problem he said government had decided close frontier along Mekong River, prohibit exit any persons from Thailand into Laos, and also shipment any merchandise across river. Likewise only persons with identification papers issued by Laos or French authorities would be permitted entry into Thailand from Laos. Prime Minister said joint Thailand military police patrols would be set up immediately along Mekong River to enforce closure of frontiers and check on Laos and Vietnamese inhabitants. He said border patrols would be supported by Royal Thailand Air Force air patrols. Prime Minister said he would visit Nong Khi on Mekong River opposite Vientiane next week and other places in northeast to see that Cabinet decisions were being enforced.
Referring French requests for various accommodations Prime Minister said duly documented refugees from Laos desiring enter Thailand would of course be afforded every courtesy. As to shipment foodstuffs and gasoline through Thailand he said careful consideration would be necessary but added it was not clear from French approach exactly where delivery to French forces across Mekong could be made. In this connection he referred to rapidly advancing Viet-Minh columns on both Vientiane and Paksane. Referring French request mass [Page 533] evacuation 50,000 Vietnamese from northeast provinces, Prime Minister said this physically impossible and sure to arouse violent opposition. He therefore had instructed General Phao, Director General Police to round up as many as possible Viet-Minh leaders in northeast and added Phao would cooperate with French this matter.2
Prime Minister commented on failure French bring this clearcut case aggression before UN and inquired whether I thought it would be in order for Thai do so if Laos Government so desired. I pointed out GA now in recess and that to bring matter before SC would not be likely to result in effective action. I added it was my understanding Secretary Dulles had urged French lay matter before UN and that possibly French Government might decide to do so at next session.
Prime Minister deeply concerned over developments in Laos and bewildered by French military tactics asked for my estimate situation. I said it seemed fairly certain invasion Laos part of new aggressive Commie political move aimed at subjugation Southeast Asia. I pointed out that to outflank strong French forces and defenses in North Vietnam and strike at weakly defended Laos and Cambodia was obvious strategy from Commie point of view. I said unlikely Viet-Minh would launch immediate attack on Thailand. Much more likely Commies would consolidate control over major portion Laos under so-called Free Laos Government, then attempt by propaganda, subversive activities and use of “Free Laos” to create unrest Laos and Vietnamese in north and northeastern provinces with view fostering “liberation movement” in these areas. Prime Minister agreed with me Thailand Government capable of coping with subversive efforts this nature but pointed out there was compelling need for vigilance and unity on part of Thailand Government and people.
- Field Marshal Phibun Pibulsonggram.↩
In telegram 53 from Vientiane, May 5, Chargé David R. Thomson reported that the Laotian Prime Minister, Souvanna Phouma, had asked that the United States exert additional pressure on Thailand to remove Vietnamese from the areas of Thailand adjacent to Laos. The Prime Minister stated that he wanted the Thai Government to know that unless immediate action were taken, the Laotian Government would conclude that Thailand was working with the Viet Minh. (751J.5/5–553)
In telegram 2202 from Bangkok, May 6, Ambassador Stanton stated that Thailand appeared to be making sincere efforts to remove potential Viet Minh adherents from the border area. (751G.00/5–653) In telegram 2161 to Bangkok, May 7, the Department asked Stanton to express thanks to Prime Minister Pibulsonggram for the constructive Thai reaction. (751G.00/5–653)
However, Thomson reported from Vientiane in telegram 71 of May 20 that Souvanna Phouma had expressed disgust with the failure of Thailand to act in the border areas, stating that he had no intention of pursuing negotiations on the matter. (751J.00/5–2053) In telegram 2325 to Saigon (to be passed to Vientiane), repeated to Bangkok, Paris, Manila, Singapore, and Tokyo, May 26, the Department instructed the posts concerned to do everything possible to promote better relations between Laos and Thailand. (751J.00/5–2053)
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