Office of the Historian

524. Telegram From the Embassy in Thailand to the Department of State1

Bangkok, September 20, 1957—2 p.m.

861. In accordance request made by Marshal Sarit in capacity Military Governor Bangkok on Tuesday, I called on him at 11 today.

Sarit opened discussion by expressing hope I understood situation. He felt regretful at necessity taking action. He had personal respect for Phibun and was doing everything possible persuade him return to Thailand.

After noting I was returning to US on consultation, assured me Thailand would “strictly observe old foreign policy and adherence to UN and SEATO” and cautioned about listening to newspapers speculation.

He informed me King would shortly make choice of Prime Minister (his aides stated Parliament would act tomorrow) and wished me to know he would be person of high caliber, having respect of country. Added choice would be pleasing to US and to me personality.

I replied US policy based on interests, and attitudes world problems and not on personality of individual, which was entirely internal matter.

Sarit said he understood US position thoroughly, as did His Majesty. They desired closest cooperation with US and had the same principles. “Outsiders” tried to make noise and newspapers and [garble] ground speakers had tried to persuade him to take middle way, but he would not.

I welcomed this assurance and added I had long felt great danger was Communist subversion and infiltration. I was sure he did also and would take counter measures.

Sarit agreed Communist capability for subversion and infiltration was danger but complained he and his people had not been kept informed in previous situation. …

. . . . . . .

Sarit warmly welcomed my intention to call on His Majesty to take leave before departure.2 At conclusion, we mutually expressed [Page 934] belief exchange of views had been useful and Sarit specifically welcomed my statement I would be glad to convey his assurances to Washington during my visit.

Bishop
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 792.00/9–2057. Confidential; Niact. Repeated to Saigon, Phnom Penh, Vientiane, Rangoon, Kuala Lumpur, Chiengmai, CINCPAC, and POLADCINCPAC.↩
  2. Bishop reported in telegram 876 from Bangkok, September 20, that the King later added his assurances that Thailand would continue a pro-Western foreign policy, and would adhere to the United Nations and SEATO. (Ibid.)↩