496. Telegram From the Embassy in Thailand to the Department of State1
913. Saigon inform Secretary McElroy. Colonel Chalermchai, Representative Marshal Sarit, called on me at 9:15 p.m. and informed me as follows.
General Thanom resigned, the King accepted his resignation this evening, the public announcement being made at 9:00 p.m. In the meanwhile troops were called into position to vital points such as communications centers to prevent sabotage. Subsequently at 9:15 p.m. public announcement was made of the formation of a “revolutionary group” consisting of Sarit as chief, General Thanom as his Deputy, and with Admiral Chamnarn and Air Chief Marshal Chalermkiat as other two members. Revolutionary group issued a declaration of martial law. Subsequent declarations to be made through the night. Announcement will be made of the abolition of the constitution, the dissolution of the Parliament, the abolition of the political party law, announcement of formation of committee to draft new consitution. In all it will be a series of over 10 statements. Also during the night 72 arrests of Thai and Chinese “Communist agents“, including five recent returnees from Communist China will be carried out. In reply to my specific question Chalermchai said “he was sure” that arrests would not include members opposition parties such as Khuang or other Democrats.
In reply to my specific question on whether King had concurred in these moves he said movement was not directed against King. “The King will remain and he understands. The King is not involved in politics.” In reply to my specific question he stated he was authorized to inform me that this action portended no change in Thailand’s foreign [Page 1044] policy of alignment with the free world, its obligations under SEATO, et cetera and group would honor all Thailand’s international obligations.
I pointed out to Chalermchai Secretary McElroy scheduled arrive here tomorrow afternoon, he scheduled to meet with several members government, et cetera, asked whether group desired have Secretary continue with visit or if they desire I attempt postponement. Asked for reply by midnight tonight. Matter was left that if Chalermchai did not communicate with me by midnight tonight, I could assume they desired McElroy proceed with visit.
When during course conversation I pointed out to Chalermchai seriousness of extra constitutional movement such as this he said September ‘57 coup group had also suspended constitution, had made “mistake” of again putting it into force without due consideration. One of problems was low qualifications of assemblymen (which is true), that assembly was blocking effective actions to solve country’s problems, present political law gave entirely too much status to left wing parties, et cetera.
Chalermchai said term “revolutionary group” was being used instead of “coup group” as movement not directed against government but only against assembly, whereas in September ‘57 move was against both government and assembly.
I made no commitments or statements of approval of any kind and did not respond to Chalermchai’s statement that Marshal Sarit would welcome “my advice”.
If it is confirmed that status of King is not involved and if King does not oppose moves of group there will not be any question of “recognition” involved and I plan continue to deal with Sarit, Thanom, and others on de facto basis without raising questions of recognition.
For McElroy: Unless I communicate further with you suggest you proceed with visit as planned.
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Source: Department of State, Central Files, 792.00/10–2058. Secret; Niact. Repeated to Saigon. Secretary of Defense McElroy was then in Saigon en route to Bangkok. Telegram 956 from Bangkok, October 23, reported on Sarit’s meeting with McElroy and Johnson in which Sarit raised the question of possible Thai requests for further U.S. aid. (Ibid., 611.92/10–2358)
Sarit flew to London in early August. He stayed in England until his return to Bangkok on October 19.
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