890.20/9–349: Telegram
The Ambassador in Thailand (Stanton) to the Secretary of State
777. 1. Views Prime Minister concerning proposed conference Bangkok as elicited from long conversation with him set forth mytel 761, August 30.1 Believe impressions of reasons for Prime Minister’s action as set forth Paragraph 3 reftel sum up his motives. Do not believe internal politics had much to do with issuance this statement.
2. I am glad note Department prepared consider giving some support such conference since we feel here any effort, even though faltering, on the part SE Asian countries get together at this critical juncture is of decided value, and should at least receive our quiet encouragement. However, with view avoiding confusion and development [Page 1196] possible Irritation between Philippine and Thai Governments over conference, I would like suggest Department through Embassy Manila ascertain whether President Quirino definitely intends go ahead plans for conference and, if so, he instruct Philippine Minister here issue formal invitation and present written statement outlining in as much detail as possible our posts and objectives as well as plans for convening conference. If it is clear Quirino has lost interest in convening conference, then I think we would do well to give some support Phibun’s idea convening conference here, but I agree with Department that initial stages any effort countries SEA to get together we and other Western Powers should remain background.
Sent Department as 777, repeated Manila as 45, and London.
- Not printed.↩