Office of the Historian

500. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Thailand1

Washington, June 23, 1956—2:50 p.m.

4036. Thai Ambassador called on Asst Secretary Robertson June 21 to state his government had announced decision reported Bangkok’s 3529, June 132 remove non-strategic goods from list commodities Thai prohibited from export Communist China. He added announcement stated prohibitions stand on strategic materials including rubber tin. Explained decision result pressures businessmen and public who cannot understand why Thailand should have more severe restrictions non-strategic exports than other nations (except US) while at same time UK releases strategic goods. Ambassador assured Asst Secretary no question recognizing Chinese Communists, entering formal trade agreement, or accepting Chinese Communist rep and expressed belief volume trade would be small. Also denied decision constitutes change policy and referred continued enforcement anti Communist law mentioning prohibition Communist propaganda and trial Assemblymen who visited Communist China.

Asst Secretary expressed great disappointment announcement made. Pointed out because Thailand sets shining example helping resist Communist China aggression such policy change will reverberate through world being taken as alteration Thai position. Also stressed threat Commie China has not decreased: remains aggressor, continues defy UN by violating armistice Korea and augmenting forces there, and increases pressure on neighbors by strengthening Vietminh military forces and attempting subvert Laos, Cambodia, Burma. He added such trade will help relieve pressures on difficult Communist position world wide and asserted this certainly no time remove restrictions, instead Government should explain to Thai public purpose embargo and why necessary continue strongly oppose Communists. He also forecast increasing number Thai would travel Commie China. Asst Secretary stated US does not ask allies do what it unwilling to do and emphasized US has no intention relaxing embargo but intends continue at Geneva attempt to obtain release US prisoners and meaningful renunciation by Chinese Commies of armed forces. Concluded he did not presume to question sovereign right Thai Govt make such decision but reiterated he must express extreme disappointment.

Dulles
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 493.929/6–1356. Secret; Priority. Drafted by Bushner and initialed by Robertson. Repeated to London and Paris.↩
  2. Document 498.↩