Office of the Historian

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

Washington, July 3, 1957—4:54 p.m.

33. Joint State–Defense message. Your 38282 and 3845.3 From Sarit’s and Prapas’s insistent follow-up of criticism expressed last August (Deptel 41464) appears size JUSMAG and functions its field advisory personnel assuming significant political implications. Prime Minister’s remarks on June 1 (final para Embdes 8705) may also tend confirm this.

In order preserve tenable position and ensure continued effectiveness Military Assistance Program we inclined think may be necessary accede in some degree Sarit’s demands on above subjects which appear arise from influential military-political faction he heads. As suggested Embdes 2416 may be necessary lower sights somewhat. However need not seriously impede achievement long range purposes Mutual Assistance Program. Appears some procedure such as that proposed in last para CINCPAC’s 84827 would minimize disadvantages perhaps even improve receptivity Thai officers. Essential of course avoid sudden or large reduction JUSMAG personnel which Thai might erroneously interpret as US loss interest Thai security. Any reduction should be carefully limited and achieved by attrition rather than withdrawal.

Request Country Team views re above and comments on feasibility procedure proposed CINCPAC.8

Dulles
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 792.5–MSP/6–2857. Secret; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Bushner and cleared in substance with U/MSA and the Department of Defense. Initialed for Dulles by Jones. Repeated to CINCPAC.↩
  2. Dated June 27, not printed. (Ibid., 792.5–MSP/6–2757)↩
  3. Dated June 28, not printed. (Ibid., 792.5–MSP/6–2857)↩
  4. In telegram 4146 to Bangkok, June 28, the Embassy was authorized to discuss the issue of the JUSMAG mission in Thailand with Pibulsonggram and Sarit, and to point out the continuing threat of Communist aggression in the area, as well as the efforts made by the United States to reduce the financial burden of the mission upon the Thai economy. (Ibid., 792.5–MSP/6–2557)↩
  5. Despatch 870 from Bangkok, June 10, summarized a conversation between Ambassador Bishop and Prime Minister Pibulsonggram on June 1. The topics discussed included private investment in Thailand, the nature of U.S. aid, and the effect of the projected cut in the U.S. budget upon the level of American activities in Thailand. (Ibid., 792.5–MSP/6–1057)↩
  6. Despatch 241 from Bangkok, October 5, 1956, is a 74-page evaluation of U.S. programs in Thailand. (Ibid., 120.201/10–556)↩
  7. Not found.↩
  8. In telegram 86 from Bangkok, July 10, Ambassador Bishop concluded that the decision with respect to the size and scope of the JUSMAG program should be made in negotiations between military experts, and then ratified by a government-to-government agreement. (Department of State, Central Files, 792.5–MSP/7–1057)↩