Office of the Historian

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

Bangkok, November 18, 1960—6 p.m.

875. Embtels 848 and 856.2 Yesterday Foreign Minister asked again discuss subject with me. Gave me new Thai draft of “agreement” to effect that neither Thai nor US Government would take “measures or actions” in regard to Laos “without concurrence of other party.” In reply my queries Foreign Minister said that as far as Thailand concerned would include such actions as trade policies with respect Laos, returning fire of Lao forces, etc. On part US would expect include such items as procedures payment Phoumi forces, etc. I said that while appreciating willingness Thailand limit its freedom of action to such extent, did not feel USG could do so. Of course USG fully recognized Thai interest in Laos and in fact our actions there might well have serious repercussions on Thailand. Therefore we could and would as we had in past consult with Thailand but had to retain freedom of action in our day-to-day operations in Laos and relations with Lao authorities. However recognized such actions as US placing US forces in Laos or Thailand placing Thai forces there entirely different order of importance as by such action either could involve other in hostilities. Therefore utmost importance there be full consultation and maximum degree agreement on such actions.

Although Department’s reaction to draft aide-mémoire Embtel 856 not yet received I showed draft to Thanat and discussed with him stressing it purely my own draft and not cleared by Washington. After long discussion he agreed accept as basis for further discussion by him with Prime Minister with amendment of second sentence last para to read: “In order that their efforts to this end should have maximum effect, it is agreed that they will consult together and coordinate their efforts and actions to the fullest possible extent.”

Would appreciate soonest Department’s comments on draft as amended above for guidance discussion with Foreign Minister after he has seen Prime Minister.

Johnson
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.92/11–1860. Top Secret.↩
  2. Documents 565 and 568.↩