366. Letter From Secretary of Defense Richardson to Secretary of State Rogers, Washington, April 3, 1973.1 2
THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
WASHINGTON D.C. 20301
3 APR 1973
Honorable William P. Rogers
Secretary of State
Washington, D.C.
20520
Dear Bill:
(S) I have been following the recent messages from Ambassador Unger in Bangkok reporting strong expressions of dissatisfaction from Thai leaders over reduced MAP program levels, particularly in light of the increased US military presence in Thailand. I can appreciate the heightened vulnerability to PRC/NVN hostility which the Thai now feel; I can also understand their desire to share in what has been touted as a large US reconstruction program for Indochina.
(S) On the other hand, these discussions do not appear to reflect full appreciation on the part of the Thais for the sacrifices by the US over the last 8 years to sustain, inter alia, a free and independent Thailand. It is also evident from the record that their willingness to agree to additional US deployments to Thailand in recent months, including the establishment of USSAG there, was based on a perception of Thai national interests which coincided with US interests, namely, to be prepared to resist NVN ceasefire violations.
(C) As you know, military aid to Thailand is only one aspect of DOD resource inputs. The enclosed table reflects our best estimates of DOD resources transferred to Thailand, which are considerable. DOD spending in Thailand over the last seven years has averaged $230 million a year. This has been an important element in Thailand’s continued economic health and strong foreign exchange position despite annual adverse trade balances.
(C) I recommend that Ambassador Unger be encouraged to use these figures as appropriate in future discussions with the Thai leadership to place the MAP issue in its proper perspective. It is my hope that this may have some positive effect in reducing the current tensions over this issue.
(U) With warm regard,
Sincerely,
[signed Elliot]
- Source: Washington National Records Center, OASD/ISA Files: FRC 330–76–117, Thailand 121, 1973 April 3. Secret. On April 12, Rogers replied, “the tendency of Thai leaders to view bilateral assistance levels as perhaps the primary indicator of U.S. interest in Thailand’s security has long posed problems in our mutual discussions. Although we may never be able to eliminate this tendency completely, I am sure Ambassador Unger and his staff will appreciate and make good use of the newly-developed figures, which we are cabling out to Bangkok today. (Rogers to Richardson; National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–1973, DEF 19 US–THAI) ↩
- Richardson provided figures quantifying U.S. Department of Defense spending in Thailand and suggested that they be shared with the Thai leadership.↩