Office of the Historian

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

Bangkok, December 13, 1958—1 p.m.

1497. Reference: Embassy telegram 1218.2 Embassy now believes our reply to Sarit’s November 8 letter to Secretary3 should no longer be delayed. Our original position, as set forth in reference telegram, based on assumption interim government to be formed shortly and on our reluctance appear to be encouraging continuation one-man show by Sarit.

Now believe, however, that further delay will be more harmful than otherwise. As Department aware, Macmillan replied to similar letter sometime ago. Also while no firm evidence exists when interim government to be formed, Sarit indicated December 11 in answer to press query that formation not imminent. Furthermore by holding up reply until now, believe we have accomplished part of our purpose in that we have not hastily given official approval of Sarit’s action in suspending constitutional representative government (have had indications some concern on part some around Sarit our failure reply thus far). Finally, as reported in Embassy telegram 1496 situation in RP has calmed down and Sarit’s health has evidently taken turn for the better.4 From all indications, Sarit in firm control and appears probable he will continue dominate local scene and that we will be dealing with him for some time to come. In further delaying reply to letter, therefore, we run risk of unnecessarily irritating him by appearing discourteous.

While lack of government is handicap to normal relations with Thailand and while we do not condone some of Sarit’s peremptory actions such as executing arsonists without due trial by law, nevertheless must be recognized that much of his program is beneficial to US interests. Will transmit suggested text reply in subsequent message.5

Johnson
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 792.00/12–1358. Confidential; Limit Distribution.↩
  2. Supra.↩
  3. See Document 503.↩
  4. In telegram 1496 from Bangkok, December 13, Ambassador Johnson indicated that there was evidence that Sarit had “reassumed command” of both himself and his followers. In addition, Sarit’s relations with the King, while “perhaps not close,” nevertheless appeared cordial and friendly. Johnson said that the King “warmly approved” Sarit’s handling of the Cambodian matter and generally favored his conduct of other matters. (Department of State, Central Files, 792.551/12–1358)↩
  5. The suggested text was sent in telegram 1507 from Bangkok, December 15. It differed only slightly from the text of the letter as sent to Sarit; see Document 507.↩