Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, South and Southeast Asia, Volume XV

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

Bangkok, November 12, 1960—8 p.m.

849. Deptel 660.² Letter delivered to Prime Minister this morning at 10:30 a.m.

Prime Minister expressed deep appreciation.

While of course agreeing with President’s request text this letter not be made public at this time and understanding reasons therefor, Prime Minister expressed strong hope White House would be able shortly to agree to Prime Minister making text public here. He said would be of enormous value in Thai-US relations, particularly at this time. I promised to pass on his request.

Comment: Letter was most timely and text was excellently designed meet our two most pressing problems of effects on Thailand of Laos developments, and Thai reactions to our economic assistance programs to “neutralists”. While appreciating problem of comparison FY 61 aid levels with other countries desire express my own hope way can be found to agree to Sarit’s request to make letter public. Would have most healthy effect here at this particular time.³

Johnson

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 792.11/11–1260. Secret; Presidential Handling.
2. See Document 563.
3. Prime Minister Sarit responded to the President’s letter in a note of December 1960 which was conveyed to the Department of State by the Thai Ambassador on December 28 and then sent on to the White House. Sarit’s message was friendly, expressed gratitude for U.S. aid, and promised cooperation in joint efforts to ensure Thailand’s peaceful and orderly development. (Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, International File)