571. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Thailand1
720. Embtels 848; 856.2 You authorized use as basis your discussions with FonMin aide-mémoire second reftel provided last paragraph thereof changed as follows:
“His Excellency the Prime Minister and the American Ambassador agreed that the Government of the United States and the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand have a mutual concern about the present situation in the Kingdom of Laos, and are equally determined to be unsparing in their efforts to ensure that the kingdom of Laos does not fall under Communist domination. In order that their efforts to this end should have maximum effect, it is agreed that they will coordinate their efforts to the fullest possible extent, especially if it is mutually considered that action to meet the common danger with respect to the present situation in Laos is necessary. In the event of any such action, the United States will consult with the Royal Thai Government regarding any additional support which might be required therefor.”
We note from first reftel Prime Minister’s desire that statement be outside SEATO framework and that SEATO not be mentioned. Department reaffirms belief stated Deptel 6243 that it would be inappropriate allow RTG to consider it is our present intention to undertake any bilateral commitment to Thailand beyond our SEATO obligations. We feel last paragraph proposed aide-mémoire second reftel does constitute additional US commitment and have therefore reworded it to accord with existing commitment.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.92/11-1360. Top Secret; Priority. Drafted by Swezey and others in SEA, cleared with appropriate offices in the Department and with Parsons and Merchant, and approved by Donald Easum of the Executive Secretariat.↩
- Documents 565 and 568.↩
- Document 560.↩