517. Telegram From the Embassy in Thailand to the Department of State1
2634. Foreign Minister told me ICRC delegate has returned from Hanoi with Viet Minh acceptance “in principle” of Thai proposal on repatriation Vietnamese refugees. As I understand it, this was: (a) Thai screening of refugees under ICRC observation; (b) “sharing” costs repatriation; and, (c) property matters to be settled in accordance with Thai law and consultation with ICRC. Hanoi now having accepted “in principle” Thai conditions, it is renewing proposal for meeting of Red Cross Society representatives “to work out details”.
Foreign Minister indicated considerable skepticism concerning degree to which Hanoi has in fact accepted Thai conditions and also indicated continued desire avoid meeting of Red Cross Societies. However, had not yet reached any decisions on next move.
Foreign Minister also told me no reply had been received from Saigon on last Thai note proposing GVN accept those refugees willing to go there.
Australian Ambassador (Waller) also informed DCM of conversation this subject with Tran Van Dinh, Consul General South Vietnam, Rangoon, who was returning from SEATO meeting via Bangkok. Dinh mentioned suggestion made during discussion Canberra at Foreign Office that when some appropriate South Vietnam minister next has occasion stop off Bangkok en route further destination he might review refugee problem with Thai officials in effort come to better agreement and he said South Vietnam giving suggestion serious consideration. From Dinh’s remarks appeared South Vietnam remains unready state willingness accept refugees and still strongly opposes Thai contacts, even via ICRC, with North Vietnam on grounds smacks of recognition.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 292.51G22/4–2259. Confidential. Repeated to Saigon and Tokyo.↩