134. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Thailand1
2933. Although Department agrees with Saigon’s 30952 that démarche to Diem should be supported in Thailand special approach to Thais would not appear profitable at this time. Although Thais certainly not blameless nor unprovocative in their dealings with Cambodia they have been more responsive than GVN to our recent efforts at reducing tensions. Furthermore, upcoming SEATO conference, King’s visit plus Thai irritation over rice deals with India make inappropriate hit Thais hard on anything right now. Therefore suggest you take earliest opportunity in course conduct other business to mention to Sarit or Prapat our serious view of GVN provocations of Cambodia, e.g. support Khmer dissidents, actions in Gulf island dispute, etc. Without going into details and if you deem appropriate you may lend emphasis to your remarks by informing Thais we considering taking “strong actions” to persuade GVN abandon its dangerous game. If [Page 360] Thais and GVN collaborating on Cambodia this approach would provide Thais with adequate notice that its partner in trouble with United States Government on this issue.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751K.00/5–260. Secret; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Charles T. Cross, cleared by SEA and FE, and approved by Parsons. Repeated to Saigon, Phnom Penh, and CINCPAC for POLAD.↩
- For text, see Foreign Relations, 1958–1960, vol. i, pp. 433–437.↩