Office of the Historian

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

Bangkok, August 18, 1959—9 a.m.

376. In brief conversation with Doctor Chalerm (a Thai RC representative at Rangoon talks) last night, he confirmed that agreement has been reached on Vietnamese repatriation substantially along lines reported Embtel 353 to Department.2 Additional to reference telegram, he stated DRV RC representatives not to constitute separate delegation but only members of joint committee to be formed with Thai RC. Agreement permits only two DRV RC members of joint committee both of whom named in agreement. While recognizing close link between DRV RC and government, Chalerm said he felt representatives named were “genuine” Red Cross men. DRV RC may make, with agreement Thai Red Cross, substitution of one of two men named. DRV Red Cross representatives will not be permitted travel to Northeast or leave Bangkok.

Committee for handling repatriation on spot in Northeast will include some representatives from among refugees.

Chalerm stated while it was realized DRV insistence on representation in Thailand motivated by desire pose as protector of Vietnamese abroad, Thai Government aware this pitfall and would do all possible [Page 1088] to prevent. In response Chalerm’s request for trucks to move refugees to railheads, I pointed out USG has no trucks here and referred him to Thai Armed Forces and other Thai Government agencies.

A few evenings ago, Foreign Minister indicated to me he had given up struggle in Cabinet to prevent DRV Red Cross representation in Bangkok, saying Cabinet was convinced this was price which had to be paid for repatriation agreement. In response my query he said he did not feel would have serious effect on Thai-GVN relations. He said while on Saigon visit unequivocally explained to both Diem and Mau such agreement DRV Red Cross inevitable in absence any positive move on part GVN. He indicated neither Diem nor Mau had reacted strongly, nor indicated any willingness substantially assist Thai in meeting problem. “Therefore present agreement will not be any surprise to them.”

Johnson
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 292.51G22/8–1859. Confidential. Repeated to Rangoon, Saigon, Tokyo, Vientiane, Phnom Penh, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, and CINCPAC for POLAD.↩

  2. Supra. Telegram 168 from Rangoon, August 15, transmitted the operative sentences of a joint communiqué issued on conclusion of the talks. The repatriation would begin in January 1960. (Ibid., 292.51G22/8–1559)

    Airgram G–43 from Bangkok, August 19, contributed further information made public by Galan Amatayakun of the Thai Interior Ministry who had been an adviser to the Thai Red Cross delegation. (Ibid., 292.51G22/8–1959)

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