Office of the Historian

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

Bangkok, February 19, 1960—11 a.m.

2335. For Dillon and Parsons from Johnson. Deeply appreciate Deptel 21082 which most opportune and has greatly assisted meeting problem set forth my 2079.3 Following his return from Djakarta on trip with King and Queen, I yesterday discussed substance of tel with FonMin who most appreciative and asked I also extend thanks to both [Page 1114] of you.4 In accordance my understanding with FonMin Embassy immediately undertaking discussions with Minister of Finance and Bank of Thailand on formula for implementation requirement for special dollar fund for purchase capital equipment in US, and USOM with TTEC and Highway Department on compliance with Section 517. Former requirement of course raises some problems of administration but hope they will not be insurmountable and that mutually satisfactory formula can be devised.

Incidentally Indonesian trip and what he heard there on difficulties doing business with Chinese Communists appears to have had most healthy effect on Thanat.5

Johnson
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 792.5–MSP/2–1960. Confidential.↩
  2. Supra.↩
  3. See footnote 2, Document 542.↩
  4. Foreign Minister Thanat Khoman accompanied the King and Queen of Thailand on their State visit to Indonesia, February 8–16.↩
  5. A report on Thanat’s discussion with Unger on the Indonesian trip is contained in telegram 2323 from Bangkok, February 17. (Department of State, Central Files, 792.11/2–1760)↩