751G.92/97: Telegram
The Minister in Thailand (Grant) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 28—9:30 a.m.]
178. I was called to the Foreign Office at noon today and requested to transmit to my Government telegraphic information which it was stated had been received this morning by the Prime Minister as follows: The Commissioner of the Province of Nakon Panom has reported that 5 French aircraft have infringed Thai territory this morning at 8 o’clock, that Thai aircraft went up to protect Thai territory and when they were in gunshot range the French aircraft started firing and dropped 2 bombs on the Thai police rest house wounding 5 persons. A later telegram alleged that 3 French aircraft had been brought down by the Thai.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs said to me that the situation is regarded as most serious and that the Thai may take reprisals with their aircraft.
Foregoing repeated to Saigon.