508. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Thailand1
1549. In order continue personal exchange with Thai Prime Minister and underscore our views importance Lao problem, request, unless Bangkok or Vientiane sees strong objection, Bishop deliver following letter to Phibun from me:
“Dear Mr. Prime Minister:
I have wished for some time write you about affairs of mutual concern our two countries, but as you know I have been absorbed with Suez Canal crisis. This is issue of great importance for most nations of world, and I appreciate attention which Government Thailand giving to it. I am sure your representatives here and in other major capitals have been keeping you informed of rapidly changing developments this score. I remain hopeful we shall find peaceful solution which will justly meet needs all interested parties.
In contrast conflicts surrounding this multinational problem, it gratifying see cooperation existing between our two countries. I was pleased learn joint landing exercises appropriately called ‘Operation Teamwork’2 turned out so well. In addition strengthening Thai-U.S. defense capabilities, such exercises, because of personal cooperation between Thai and Americans, contribute to better understanding between our peoples. In offing are other events which should broaden Thai-American contact, including Bangkok meeting International Parliamentary Union, which will be attended by considerable number distinguished Members Congress from United States, and later Constitution Fair. United States Government is preparing substantial presentation for Fair which should be attractive to Thai spectators and give them new insight into life and works of Americans.3
I am looking forward meeting with Prince Wan here in Washington prior UN General Assembly Meeting,4 of which I am confident [Page 905] he will be elected President. I am sure we shall have valuable exchange views regarding matters mutual interest.
One of these may be political situation in Laos, about which I have been concerned, as you have. We know Communists’ seeming friendliness is merely shift in tactics to lure Laos away from Free World into Communist orbit; such ostensibly innocent gestures as invitations Peiping are in reality dangerous steps in unaltered Communist program dominate Southeast Asia.5 It does not appear, however, from information now available to us that Lao have thus far responded Communist overtures in ways which might oblige us reappraise our policy toward Laos.
Brief visit here September of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Savang6 will, I believe, be of interest to you. Crown Prince Savang came Washington at request Lao Cabinet to reassure United States that Laos, despite journey Peiping, had not turned to Communists but on contrary maintained traditional friendship for United States. He expressed particular concern over implied commitment Peiping accept Chinese Communist aid in connection drawing-up Lao Five-Year Plan. Crown Prince assured us of his determination resist Communist attempts envelop Laos, and added it would be most valuable to him if he could have assurance Laos could count on moral aid United States. Without such support, Laos’ struggle resist new and insidious Communist ‘soft’ tactics would be rendered far more difficult.
President and I indicated to Crown Prince how difficult it would be retain support American people and Congress if Lao Government took action which appeared jeopardize survival Laos as independent state. We emphasized acceptance Chinese Communist aid, Pathet Lao participation in coalition government, and large-scale integration Pathet Lao troops would be dangerous developments. At same time, we firmly assured Crown Prince that Laos could count upon American support—moral, political, and material—so long as that support went to government vigorously seeking maintain its independence.
Free World must remain alert to combat Communist penetration Laos, an important element our united strength. Above all, we should continue pursue in steady, tactful fashion effort strengthen Laos’ commitments Free World. I am therefore pleased by statement your letter July 30, 1956,7 conveyed me by Ambassador Bishop, that Thailand and Laos have made considerable progress in their contact and consultations. I hope you and your Government will continue press forward on measures cooperation and assistance essential to independence and security Laos.
Though I shall not on this occasion discuss American economic aid to Thailand, I should like you know that your suggestions this matter are receiving full and careful study here.
[Page 906]Sincerely yours, John Foster Dulles”.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.92/10–2956. Secret. Drafted by Bushner and Byrne of SEA and cleared in SEA, FE,H, UNP, and P. Also sent priority to Vientiane and repeated to Saigon, Phnom Penh, London, Paris, New Delhi, and Ottawa.↩
- “Operation Teamwork” was a joint U.S.-Thai amphibious exercise that took place in October 1956.↩
- The American exhibit at the Constitution Fair, which was held at Bangkok, December 7–22, featured exhibits of American industry and agriculture, Benny Goodman’s orchestra, and the Westminster Choir.↩
- See infra.↩
- Reference is to Lao Prime Minister Prince Souvanna Phouma’s August 1956 trip to Peking and the offer to Laos by the People’s Republic of China of Chinese economic aid and technicians.↩
- Crown Prince Savang Vathana of Laos visited the United States in September 1956.↩
- See Document 503.↩