509. Telegram From the Embassy in Thailand to the Department of State1
1561. Sarit’s appearance at my meeting with him this morning fully confirmed previous [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] reports that he is again drinking and his physical condition again deteriorating. His breath smelled of liquor, his eyes were dull, his legs and ankles seemed to be somewhat more swollen than last time I had seen him and his shoelaces were untied, presumably because of swelling of ankles. Mentally he had difficulty concentrating and contrary usual custom in past asked that most of what I said be interpreted.
He received me at his private home and was about 50 minutes late for appointment because of late arrival from Europe of plane upon which his son was returning. Both Khunying Vichitra and son were with him when he arrived.
Thanat Khoman and Chote Gunakasem were both present at interview although I had given no previous indication of intention other than deliver Secretary’s letter. However, as any further delay informing TG of FY ‘59 DS level would have resulted in cutting back [Page 1063] some existing USOM projects, I had decided to take advantage interview to inform Sarit not only of DS level but to recapitulate in most effective manner possible whole of our economic assistance. In spite of his condition, Sarit’s reaction was enthusiastic in extreme. Upon completion of translation of letter by Thanat, Sarit suddenly stood up, took me by both hands and appeared to be prevented from embracing me only by table which stood between us. He said that for first time he really understood all that we were doing for Thailand and Wanted Thai people to know and asked my permission to release copy of letter to which I agreed. He also made several extravagant statements concerning my understanding of Thailand and its problems.
In view of his condition I did not think it profitable to initiate discussion of any other subjects and invited him to raise any matters he desired discuss. After some proddings by Thanat and Chote, he said he would appreciate my looking into the possibility of Thailand obtaining a $2½ million loan from US yen funds in Japan to purchase additional generators and some fishing boats. He also mentioned subject of power barges as emergency supplement to Bangkok power requirements. He seemed satisfied my explanation technical impracticability power barges, including different cycles, and inability present distribution system absorb more power. I promised look into matter yen loans with which I entirely unfamiliar. Despite my repeating my invitation raise any other matters and some whispered conversations among Chote and Thanat, Sarit did not do so. Thus feel that we are in very favorable position of Sarit having personally indicated to me his satisfaction with economic aid programs and not having made any additional requests.
During past week or so, I have had indications Thai dissatisfaction and Sarit concern with our not having informed them of fiscal year ‘59 DS aid level. (They well know we have done so in other countries.) Therefore, believe Thanat and Chote presence this morning indicated intent raise this matter with me but presentation my letter on economic aid forestalled it and that entire matter has worked out in very satisfactory manner.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 792.551/12–2258. Confidential; Limit Distribution. Repeated to CINCPAC and CINCPAC POLAD.↩