751G.92/61: Telegram
The Minister in Thailand (Grant) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 12—11:45 a.m.]
117. Referring to the Legation’s telegram number 103, October 4, 11 p.m., in which I expressed the opinion that the Prime Minister is not the real master in the present political situation, there is increasing evidence to the effect that a powerful inner group, bent upon forcing Thailand into war if necessary in order to gain its objectives, is carrying on an enormous propaganda in direct opposition to the Prime Minister and holds the whip hand in the Government. It would not be surprising to see the Prime Minister forced from office together with the liberal members of the Government unless they agree to carry through the plans of this group. An indication of the Prime Minister’s plight has been brought to my attention by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs who said the Prime Minister had requested him to inquire of me if I would have any objection to the Government issuing a statement to the public setting forth certain views which I have expressed to members of the Government in connection with the Thai claims in Indochina in which I emphasized the importance of the [Page 182] strict maintenance of the status quo and advocated abstention of force by Thailand to the end that a disturbed situation in the Far East might not become more disturbed and Thailand drawn into hostilities.
I pointed out to the Deputy Minister that while I desired to cooperate in every way possible with the Prime Minister and appreciated the suggestion made it was a matter I would want to consider carefully, before giving him a definite reply since it was not in line with usual diplomatic procedure.
Personal attention of the Secretary. I believe it might be helpful at this critical juncture, with Thailand apparently at the parting of the ways and the Prime Minister greatly desirous of retaining the good will of the United States, if the President could make a direct appeal to the Prime Minister immediately by telegraph urging the importance of the strict maintenance of the status quo from the standpoint of the welfare of Thailand and abstention from the use of force even for territory which she sincerely believes is hers by right of previous possession, recalling the long friendship existing between the two countries and the desire to maintain such relationship.
Please inform the Legation of the decision.