190. Letter From Thai Prime Minister Prem to President Carter1
I have learned with deep appreciation that, in response to our requests for accelerated delivery of military equipment purchased under the Foreign Military Sales program, you have personally approved an immediate airlift of small arms and artillery that are urgently needed by us in the light of the recent Vietnamese attack against Thailand.2 This important action on your part is demonstrative of the continued, unfailing support the United States has shown towards Thailand, of which we are most appreciative.
It is still too early to predict how the current tense situation along the Thai-Kampuchean border will develop over the next few weeks. But with the presence of tens of thousands of Vietnamese and Vietnam-backed Heng Samrin troops along the border in apparent readiness to seal off the border to disrupt the crossborder feeding and implementation of the voluntary repatriation program for the Kampuchean civilians, we must remain in a state of absolute alert and preparedness. In this respect, the further expediting of shipments of military equipment to Thailand is a vital contribution.
[Page 664]By now the Secretary of State, Mr. Edmund Muskie, must have briefed you on our and ASEAN’s thinking on the possible political solution of the Kampuchean problem, specifically the importance we attach to the continued support of the Democratic Kampuchea’s representation at the United Nations. By advocating recognition of Democratic Kampuchea and endorsement of its credentials in the United Nations, we are not merely thinking about the continued international identity of Kampuchea, but have very much in mind what political leverage Vietnam and the Soviet Union would stand to gain should we waver in our rationalization of support we have given so far to Democratic Kampuchea. It is my earnest hope that Your Excellency will give this matter a careful thought so as not to allow the other side to steal the initiative or to benefit by default.
I am confident in the ability of the United States to assert a vital, positive role in our common strife for peace and stability in Southeast Asia. This in turn will have a favorable impact on other parts of the globe which are also being threatened by the spectre of political turmoil and confusion.
On this auspicious occasion of the 204th Anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America, I wish to extend, on behalf of the Government and people of Thailand, to Your Excellency, the United States Government and the American people, our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for the continuing progress and prosperity of your countr789y and people.
Please accept, Your Excellency, the renewed assurances of my most esteemed consideration.
- Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, President’s Correspondence with Foreign Leaders File, Box 19, Thailand, Prime Minister Prem Tinsulanonda, 4–7/80. No classification marking.↩
- See Document 189.↩
- Prem signed “P. Tinsulanonda” above his typed signature.↩