741.92/11–1545: Telegram
The Political Adviser in Siam (Yost) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 15—11 a.m.]
2. 1. Landon,16 Major Thompson, and I called today on Regent, Seni, FonOff and Bird. We conveyed to Seni unofficially gist of Department’s 2963.17
2. In regard to British agreement, Regent took position that, since Siam did at a great sacrifice concede to a rice levy, British should at least make some minor concessions. He attached great importance to this in order to demonstrate to Siamese public that agreement was result of negotiation and not a dictated peace. He spoke strongly of hardships imposed on Siam by rice levy and confirmed that not more than 800,000 tons exportable surplus now in country. British are accepting only unbroken rice, which, according to Regent, will require 3 years’ crops to meet demand of 1½ million tons, thus mortgaging future of nation. Bird, on the other hand, took position that HMG would insist on signatures agreement exactly as presented and did not consider it subject for negotiation. He therefore feared that conclusion of agreement might be delayed until new Assembly could meet and revoke restrictions placed on Seni by old Assembly. He felt Dening’s optimism unjustified and saw no reason to resume Anglo-Thai conversations until Siamese ready to accept British terms. He insisted 1,700,000 tons rice exportable surplus on hand.
3. On relations with France, Seni reiterated that Siam was ready to submit frontier question to United Nations and accept their decision, [Page 1370] but Government would be thrown out if it turned over territory to French without arbitration. Such action would also be resented by Annamese at time when they are fighting for independence. Seni did, however, suggest possibility of making public statement prior to arbitration to effect that Siam recognized manner of its recent acquisition of territory had been improper and ill-advised.
4. On relations with China, Seni said Siamese Government desires to resume diplomatic relations, and he had so informed Assembly. He did not wish to act, however, until relations had been resumed with US and Britain.
5. Fuller report on each of subjects dealt with in this message will be submitted shortly.