Office of the Historian

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

Washington, May 7, 1958—5:32 p.m.

2779. Call of Sarit on President May 7, in which Robertson, Thai Ambassador and Colonel Chalermchai participated, carried out in utmost cordiality.2 Sarit delivered to President greetings from Thai Government and his thanks for hospitality and excellent medical treatment received Walter Reed. He discussed with President broad outlines Thai situation and problems including in most general fashion need for increased aid. President indicated that Mr. Robertson and other appropriate US officials would have subsequent discussions with him these matters.

Extensive photographic coverage given meeting, which lasted about twenty minutes. Department release re Sarit visit3 carried on [Page 1000] VOA morning broadcast. According UP Sarit told press President “most sympathetic” with Thailand’s problems.

Herter
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 792.551/5–758. Confidential. Drafted by Kocher and approved by Robertson.↩
  2. A brief memorandum of conversation on this meeting by Robertson is Ibid., 792.13/5–1558.↩
  3. See Department of State Bulletin, June 2, 1958, p. 912.↩