525. Memorandum of Discussion at the 337th Meeting of the National Security Council, Washington, September 23, 19571
[Here follow a paragraph listing the participants at the meeting and items 1–3.]
4. Significant World Developments Affecting U.S. Security
. . . . . . .
The King and Sarit have now installed as Prime Minister in the new government the former Thai Ambassador to the United States and the former Secretary of the SEATO organization.2 Sarasin, the new Premier, was perhaps not a very strong figure, but he was a good man and very pro-Western in his sympathies. Meanwhile, categorical assurances had been given to Ambassador Bishop by the new government on their devotion to the tie with the West. The new government insisted that it was even more strongly anti-Communist than its predecessor. Despite all these assurances, continued Mr. Dulles, there is still much in the situation in Thailand which will bear careful watching. …
Mr. Larson inquired whether there had been any thought of inviting the King of Siam to visit the United States. Mr. Allen Dulles replied that he had heard of nothing along this line, although it might be possible to invite the King after new elections have been held in Siam.
. . . . . . .
[Page 935]The Vice President inquired as to the status of our military assistance to Thailand and our military personnel in Thailand. What were we giving the Thai armed forces, and what connections had been forged between our military personnel in Thailand and the local military leaders, and particularly Sarit? Could not these military leaders be helpful to us in the present situation. Mr. Allen Dulles replied that such relations had been cordial right along. Assistant Secretary of State Robertson said he wished to point out that Sarit was suffering from cirrhosis of the liver, and probably had no more than six months to two years of life ahead of him.
. . . . . . .
Secretary Robertson noted that Sarit’s newspaper in Bangkok was by all odds the most anti-American in the city. On the other hand, Sarit has been at the very greatest pains to reassure us regarding his intentions, and has certainly appointed a very strong pro-Western Prime Minister in the person of Sarasin.
[Here follows item 5.]
- Source: Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, NSC Records. Top Secret; Eyes Only. Drafted by Gleason on September 24.↩
- On September 23, Pote Sarasin was appointed Prime Minister of the provisional government of Thailand. The provisional government was a caretaker government established to manage the affairs of Thailand until the December elections called for by the Royal decree of September 18.↩