510. Telegram From the Embassy in Thailand to the Department of State1
1662. Reference Deptel 1549, October 29.2 Following letter from Prime Minister just received with “personal and confidential” message for Secretary Dulles:
“December 1, 1956 B.E., 2499 My Dear Mr. Ambassador:
I have received Your Excellency’s letter of November 1, 19563 in which you were good enough to transmit contents of letter from Honorable John Foster Dulles to me.
I shall be grateful if you will be so kind as to convey my reply to Secretary of State as follows:
Dear Mr. Secretary of State,
I am very grateful to you for your letter of October 29 sent through Ambassador Bishop’s letter of November 1, 1956.
First of all, I wish inform you that your ailment which necessitated a major operation had caused me much anxiety. But I was relieved on hearing that you had successfully passed that ordeal, and I pray for your rapid and complete recovery, for the free world greatly needs your guidance and need is never as great as at this moment when we are moving rapidly from one critical situation to another.
It was gratifying to see that ‘operation team work’earned remarkably great success. I had opportunity to witness Thai-American assault landing operation myself. Our two troops worked side by side with strong will as though from one unit. The personal co-operation between Thai and Americans has [Page 909] obviously proved itself of combined strength and friendship that could never be jeopardized by any third party.
Bangkok Meeting of Inter-Parliamentary Union came to a successful close. I am pleased to have opportunity to meet the distinguished Members of Congress from United States. As result they might be impressed by fact of our sincere friendship that our two governments have hitherto laid down on firm foundation for welfare and prosperity of our two countries and peoples.
Participation of United States Government in forthcoming Constitution Fair will contribute greatly to better understanding between our peoples. It is most welcome by Thai people as well as HMG and myself, of which we are deeply appreciative for this generous contribution. In view of Prince Wan’s unanimous election as President of UN 11th Regular Session of GA, it is an honour to Thai nation as whole. Thanks to all member nations; indubitably greater part of support was in fact due largely to your government, your President and yourself, and American Nation. Therefore, we could hardly find words adequately to express our grateful thanks, but deep down in our hearts we shall remember for always.
Taking Laos and Cambodia into consideration, I am of same opinion that you have stated. But these two countries are still short of experienced statesmen, for they are just newly born countries, thus lack far sightedness. According to my own observation, they pursued course they deemed appropriate, but on contrary, turned out to be complete failure or unworkable, and ultimately they had to turn to right course, or otherwise circumstances alter cases, which have given us much concern. In case of Laos, as far as I can see, it has not responded to Communist overtures. But on surface it makes us think otherwise. The journey to Peiping presumably was our offer for vast boundary with Red China and desire to put more pressure on Pathet Lao to join Vientiane Government.
These new countries are greatly in need of certainty for full independence and security with stabilized governments and therefore they struggle for such. At moment many Lao leaders and their people have been regularly visiting Thailand. Those prominent leaders, whom I have met, give voice to dependence largely on USA and strong adherence to Thailand. Lao and Thai come from common stock with same religion, culture and similar language. Question of keeping Laos within orbit of free democracy is, in my opinion, to render liberal aid. We should help to develop Laos by building up factories, roads, irrigations, etc. Laos will not at any cost venture to become satellite of Red China. Because it is at stake to take such dangerous step, while our genuine magnanimity guarantees freedom equality, justice and peace; non-interference with internal affairs.
Regarding Thailand, HMG and majority Thai people have neither the policy (of change) nor political trends whatsoever. [Page 910] The past has proved our act in good faith. We are well aware that USA not only leads in democracy, but also being depended upon by free world. We therefore pledge to give support at all times; no temptations could lure us. With regard to American aid to Thailand, there is nothing much to ask at moment, because I have from time to time contacted Ambassador Bishop, who understands situations perfectly well. And you may be pleased to know that he is our best friend.
Your personal interest and kind consideration always shown towards Thailand are deeply appreciated. On this occasion my wife joins me in extending to you and Mrs. Dulles our united sincere good wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Sincerely yours, Field Marshal P. Pibulsonggram.
Assuring you etc.”
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.92/12–556. Secret.↩
- Document 508.↩
- Not found in Department of State files; it probably transmitted the letter conveyed in telegram 1549 to Bangkok.↩