504. Telegram From the Embassy in Thailand to the Department of State1
1218. Reference: Deptel 994.2 Minister Foreign Affairs has also provided Embassy with copy letter 8 November from Sarit to Secretary. Understand parallel letter sent Macmillan.
Assuming interim government presented to and accepted by King, Embassy [position?] again is non-committal friendly reply from Secretary to Sarit in order. Despite Embassy concern over uncertain situation in RP and deterioration Sarit health, believe phrasing letter should avoid any implication we do not expect Sarit will continue as leader for indefinite period. Letter should confirm intention continue maintain cordial relations with His Majesty’s Government. In order avoid possible use of letter as excuse delay establishment permanent government it should express hope we can look forward to reestablishment in near future of constitutional representative government. Letter also should state US pleased at reaffirmation Thai free world alignment, support of SEATO and determination resist Communist infiltration and subversion. Agree letter should tie in loan package if timing propitious. Might go on to indicate US readiness discuss with Thai Government FY 1959 US program designed continue cooperate with Thai in technical assistance and economic development. Furthermore US prepared assist Thai in their desires meet urgent industrial requirements by encouraging US private business investigate opportunities invest Thailand.
Degree of warmth of letter should depend on nature of interim government, caliber persons appointed key positions and whether intention eventually establish representative government clearly indicated. Meager reports available indicate Sarit keeping plans for interim government largely to himself. Accordingly, when government announced, Embassy may wish comment further (particularly if King bypassed).
Believe to be most effective, letter should be sent promptly after formation interim government. Hope text can also be cabled Embassy so that I can immediately deliver Secretary’s message to Sarit in person in advance receipt letter itself.