792.5/5–1054: Telegram
No. 417
The Ambassador in Thailand (Donovan) to the Department of State1
top secret
Bangkok, May 10, 1954—3
p.m.
2242. Carrying out instructions to me that action be taken and recommendations submitted which would strengthen defensive position Thailand by reason deterioration military situation Indochina, I strong recommend following:
- 1.
- That US, as quickly as may be done, negotiate a leased base agreement similar that used England and deploy one F 84G fighter wing to Thailand. This unit could be rotated periodically on tdy basis as presently utilized by SAC.
- 2.
- That Korat be prepared as the immediate base site because it can be readied at minimum effort and expense; it also could effectively utilize proposed Saraburi-Korat-Bang Phae highway.
- 3.
- That another base be built soonest in Kra Peninsula so that effective base for air operations be available within present defense plan in event enemy invasion Thailand.
Adoption these proposals by us would:
- a.
- Be most decisive kind of assurance Thailand will not have to face Chinese threat alone and would demonstrate US willingness and ability furnish substantial aid to Thailand and free nations of Asia event of Communist aggression.
- b.
- Serve as positive warning to enemy while having maximum psychological impact in strengthening Thailand will to resist.
- c.
- Increase allied combat potential by doubling number tactical aircraft in Thailand.
- d.
- Provide strategic bases for USAF units in Southeast Asia.
- e.
- Stimulate development modern air facilities in Thailand for future use.
- f.
- Maintain confidence in US Asian position should FIC crisis deepen. While technical details must await principal policy decision, we are prepared implement proposals soonest upon approval.
Donovan
- Repeated by the Department to Under Secretary Smith at the Geneva Conference as Tedul 62, May 13.↩