516. Telegram From the Embassy in Thailand to the Department of State1
3503. Re Deptel 3775.2 In hour and half meeting with Prime Minister May 23 reviewed in detail series of events in Thailand and concern held by USG officials re these events as expressed in reference telegram. Prime Minister at outset conversation said he had already had telegraphic report from Ambassador Sarasin. Went on to point out that I, of course, aware recent expressions determination Prime Minister and Foreign Minister continue without change present Thai foreign policy (texts forwarded airmail3). Said would reassure my government on this point, but emphasized my own concern at what I considered to be progressive deterioration of internal situation Thailand re Leftist and Communist subversion and infiltration. Laid before Prime Minister many examples increased Communist activity and audacity in attacking Thai Government, Thai leaders, Thai allies and Thai policies. Reviewed at length propaganda exploitation Thai cultural mission Communist China and summarized brief Embassy study acceleration Communist activities Bangkok following release many Leftist leaders under recent Buddhist amnesty. [Page 920] Stated in conclusion now obvious Leftists would intensify subversive efforts and go as far as allowed.
Prime Minister heard me out with almost no interruption. At conclusion stated he agreed internal situation Thailand “very serious,” said his government and party in unenviable position being strongly attacked by both right and left. Emphasized that some “royalists and princes” even went so far as boycott Buddhist celebration. Kukrit writing in Siam Rath urged people not participate. Because overwhelming popularity Buddhist celebration and unexpectedly large crowds royalists finally came and participated.
Added now some 20 opposition parties being formed, mostly on left. When Prime Minister discussing opposition, informed him had had lunch recently with Khuang Aphaiwong who I said supports Thai foreign policy. Prime Minister replied Khuang Aphaiwong now supports Thai foreign policy but opposes Prime Minister personally and government on every other issue. Expressed bitterness that Khuang Aphaiwong with his campaign of “irresponsible demagoguery” had provided shield and precedent behind which all current opposition parties made their attacks against government leaders and policies. Added many opposition leaders formerly professed loyalty present government but now clearly following Pridi and pro-Communist line. Indicated complete concurrence US estimate Pridi’s leftist and pro-Communist sentiments. Said Madame Pridi allowed return Thailand on her statement coming only for purpose witness son’s admission priesthood and visit ill mother. Despite her assurances Madame Pridi deeply engaged in politicing and Prime Minister has now asked General Phao to “get her out of country.” He also emphasizing that Pridi himself despite protestations of desire stay out politics now deeply involved politicing Thailand. Mentioned Pridi telegraphic greetings to “Thai people.”
Prime Minister said he had severely scolded both Foreign Minister and police reissuing passports people going places where they probably intended enter Communist China. Asserted none of these cases referred or reported to Prime Minister before departure. Prime Minister attempting prevent Thai now Communist China return by asking British refuse Hong Kong visa and U Nu refuse Burmese visa (Prime Minister understands British have agreed not allow British Consul Peking visa Thai passports return via Hong Kong).
Prime Minister re-emphasized internal political situation most difficult with “Generals Sarit and Phao fighting” and now “Sarit even attacking me.” Seemed understand clearly that Communist and other opposition elements taking full advantage internal dissention ruling clique and attempting increase such differences. Prime Minister referred only once to Sarit attacks but several times emphasized determination “my government fight back.” Pointed out that now [Page 921] “we know where various political figures stand.” Many formerly declaring themselves loyal government have revealed true colors and on side opposition or leftists. Stated “we must take effective action against Communist agitation and subversion.”
With regard newspapers, particularly those owned or influenced by Cabinet Ministers, Prime Minister said unfortunately members government so busy no time watch newspaper operation and therefore, failed control newspapers under their influence. Said Sarit’s Sarn Seri had been discussed by Cabinet on more than one occasion with Sarit asserting he had no control over Sarn Seri. Prime Minister said even his own paper had attacked Prime Minister and papers belonging General Phao had attacked government and Prime Minister. Indicated his feeling this sort of irresponsible reporting and writing must be stopped.
Comment
Prime Minister seemed at ease and not unduly disturbed. At same time failed give impression he has at hand clear decisive plan of action counteract present trends. Undoubtedly Sarit is causing his greatest worry at this time. He remains, as he has for some time, bitter that royalist would use throne and their protestations loyalty Thailand as protection attack present government. At same time they provide cover for leftists and Communists to do their subversive work and to carry out their infiltration and incitement. Believe Prime Minister doing all he can restore stability Thai politics but unable as yet predict with confidence outcome. Next crisis will probably arise June 24 opening National Assembly unless Sarit decides try power play before that which most doubtful.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 592.93/5–2457. Secret.↩
- Telegram 3775 to Bangkok, May 17, contained a summary of a conversation between Assistant Secretary Robertson and Thai Ambassador Sarasin on May 16. Robertson expressed U.S. concern over the travel of Thai trade and cultural groups to China, the relaxation of the Thai embargo on trade with China, the showing of Chinese Communist propaganda films in Thailand, the increased campaign against SEATO by some Thai newspapers, and the possible return of Pridi to Thailand. The Embassy was instructed to approach Prime Minister Pibulsonggram along the same lines. (Ibid., 592.93/5–1257)↩
- Not found in Department of State files.↩