740.00119 PW/8–1145
The Department of State to the State-War-Navy Coordinating Committee
American Participation in SEAC12 After Cessation of Japanese Resistance
I. The Problem
Whether there should continue to be American participation in SEAC after the cessation of Japanese resistance.
II. Facts Bearing on the Problem
The question is raised in Colombo’s telegram No. 179, August 11,13 whether, from the Department’s point of view, it would be desirable for American participation in SEAC to continue after cessation of Japanese resistance.
The SEAC theatre has been extended to include all of Thailand, the southern part of Indochina up to the 16th latitude, and the Netherlands East Indies. Japanese forces in these areas are expected to surrender to SACSEA14 or his deputy.
It is expected that a brief period of time will elapse in Thailand during which this Government will prepare to reestablish formal relations with a legal Thai Government and during which British and Thai officials will negotiate to bring to an end their mutual state of war. It is probable that no United States Foreign Service officers will be regularly established in Thailand during this interim and the only possible source of information of political importance from American observers will be through officials attached in some capacity to SEAC, perhaps OSS officials.
It is expected that a considerable period of time will elapse in the other areas before arrangements will be completed for the reestablishment of normal administration. During that period it is probable that the only sources of information of political importance from American observers will be through officials attached in some capacity to SEAC, perhaps OSS officials.
[Page 673]III. Recommendation
That there should continue to be American participation in SEAC after the cessation of Japanese resistance lasting at least until United States Foreign Service officers are established at regular posts in Thailand and other areas.