892.24/67½
Memorandum of Conversation, by Mr. Willys B. Peck of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs
The Thai Minister called Mr. Peck on the long distance telephone from Massachusetts and referred to a letter from the Thai Legation dated June 196 transmitting a request for an export license to cover steel pipes and wire consigned to the Login Corporation, Bangkok. He said that he had just received a telegram from his Government urging that, if possible, an export license be issued covering these commodities at an early date.
Mr. Peck said that the Department had been considering this application with a view to special treatment, because of the unusual circumstances surrounding the shipment, but he did not know what the present status of the matter was. Mr. Peck said that he would make inquiries and would hope to telephone to the Minister the same day.
The Thai Minister said that in connection with the general subject of the desire of the American Government to purchase Thai rubber and tin, he had received a telegram from his Government saying that undoubtedly the United States would be able to purchase Thai rubber and tin, but the exact amounts could not be decided upon before the conclusion of negotiations now going on with the British in regard to the same commodities. The Thai Minister observed that he feared this telegram would not be very satisfactory to the American Government, which wanted to receive exact figures.
Mr. Peck asked permission to make one or two observations on this subject. The Minister assented and Mr. Peck remarked that if definite amounts of rubber and tin had been allotted to Great Britain, that was satisfactory to the American Government, for suitable arrangements [Page 227] could be made with the British. However, the more important aspect of the matter arose from the hope of the American Government that a broad arrangement might be concluded between the American and the Thai Governments which would provide for reciprocal assistance. The fact is, Mr. Peck observed, that the Department has been obliged to reject many applications for export licenses covering goods consigned to Thailand, because of the present necessity to conserve the commodities concerned for the use of the United States during the present emergency. Mr. Peck said that if the Thai Government were to make available to the United States quantities of tin and rubber, commodities needed by the United States, it might be possible in view of the benefit thus received, to review the rejected applications for export licenses. In this case each nation would, perhaps, make some sacrifice, but would likewise receive a benefit; it might seem a cold-blooded arrangement, but Mr. Peck thought it advisable to state the case bluntly.
The Thai Minister said that he understood the situation and would try to induce his Government to make some definite proposals.
In the meantime, he said that he would greatly appreciate early information in regard to the application of the Login Corporation.7