Office of the Historian

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

Washington, May 9, 1957—5 p.m.

3708. Embtel 3275.2 Indeed disturbing for Department and Embassy suddenly learn about departure large Thai cultural troupe for Communist China. Embassy analyses have indicated Thai Government acquiescing or engaging in measures of marginal accommodation to Communist China (Embdes 4853) or preparing itself under certain circumstances for possible modus vivendi with Communist China (Embdes 6344). However, because size quality cultural troupe and concealed arrangements for departure this most provocative of series similar events during past year, and appears augment accumulating presumptive evidence Thai Government seeking increased flexibility in foreign policy. Critical question now arises if change actually being stepped up. If so, what US counter measures would be feasible and desirable? In view well known US position re Communist China and our frequent attempts keep Thai Government informed our policies (Deptels 3588,5 2311,6 1549,7 40388 and 39729), Department also concerned at seemingly deliberate effort conceal from US possible Thai Government intention permit increasing Thai-Communist China contact.

Thai foreign policy should it evolve in this direction could counteract and undermine our efforts reverse neutralist trend some Thailand’s neighbors particularly Laos. Would also be likely weaken our attempts strengthen SEATO. We wonder whether increasing cultural exchange between Thai and Chinese Communists conforms with declared aims SEATO and activities various SEATO bodies.

Department more than ever interested determining a) effect such developments as described reftel on Chinese minority, Chinese Embassy, [Page 917] and Thai public; b) effect on Thai Government’s ability implement SEATO policies and control domestic Communists and neutralists; and c) nature, extent and probable timing any further developments this kind which may be undertaken in future and which would point to more than “preliminary process” of change favorable to Chinese Communists or marginal accommodation with Chinese Communists.

We considering expressing concern Prime Minister and renewed approach Thai Ambassador (Deptel 364210).

Would appreciate comment and analysis.11

Dulles
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 592.93/5–157. Secret; Priority. Drafted by Young and Bushner; initialed for Dulles by Robertson.↩
  2. In telegram 3275 from Bangkok, May 1, the Embassy reported that a large Thai cultural troupe had just departed for mainland China. (Ibid.)↩
  3. Despatch 485 from Bangkok, January 15, provided a general review of trends and developments in Thailand. (Ibid., 792.00/1–1557)↩
  4. Despatch 634 from Bangkok, March 8, a review of U.S. bases and operating facilities in Thailand, contained the observation that “during the past year the Thai Government has engaged in certain moves designed to prepare itself for a possible modus vivendi with Communist China in the event that regime should be admitted to the United Nations or if it should appear to the Thai that the United States is relaxing its opposition to the communist regime.” (Ibid., 711.56392/3–857)↩
  5. Dated April 23, not printed. (Ibid., 611.93/4–1957)↩
  6. Dated January 5, not printed. (Ibid, 751J.00/1–257)↩
  7. Document 508.↩
  8. Document 501.↩
  9. Dated June 18, 1956, not printed. (Department of State, Central Files, 123–Max W. Bishop)↩
  10. Telegram 3642 to Bangkok, May 3, conveyed a summary of a conversation between the Thai Ambassador and Deputy Assistant Secretary Howard P. Jones on May 2. Jones expressed concern over increasing contacts between Thailand and the People’s Republic of China, and over the prospect that former Prime Minister Pridi might be allowed to return to Thailand. (Ibid., 611.93/5–357)↩
  11. See infra.↩