751G.92/278: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Leahy) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 25—4:05 a.m.]
227. Embassy’s telegram No. 214, February 22, 2 p.m. Chauvel stated this afternoon that there has been a slight reduction in the tension at Tokyo as far as the French are concerned. He showed us a telegram from Arsène-Henry in which the latter reported his talk with Matsuoka wherein he informed the Japanese Foreign Minister of France’s rejection of the Japanese proposal for settlement of the Indochinese-Thailand dispute and the reasons for such rejection. Matsuoka appeared to understand the French position but indicated that the cession by the French of the two enclaves along the Mekong was not sufficient to Japanese eyes.
Henry likewise reported that the Thais had also rejected the Japanese offer, specifically with respect to paying the proposed ten million indemnity payment for the French territorial cessions.
Upon Japanese insistence however Thailand has agreed to extend the armistice until March 7. A further telegram from Arsène-Henry indicated that the French and Thai delegations at Tokyo are to receive a new settlement proposal at 5 o’clock this afternoon. Chauvel fears that this proposal will likewise prove inacceptable to France and that the more reasonable attitude displayed by Matsuoka will not be shared by the Japanese military elements. He foresees that in the end the latter will formally demand that some settlement of their making be accepted under threat of force. We asked what the French attitude would be in such a case and he said he did not know; that the matter is under consideration at present. He remarked again on the weak military position of Indochina and added significantly: “There are 30,000 white Frenchmen in the colony.”
[Page 92]He likewise showed us a “disturbing” telegram received from Governor General Decoux from Hanoi. It reported that correspondence intercepted by the French gives evidence that the steamship Kamei Maru is scheduled to sail from Yokohama on February 25 for Thailand and with a cargo of 14 tanks, 166 tank accessories, 300 light machine guns, 3,000 explosive bombs and several hundred cases of arms and munitions sold to Thailand under “recent contracts”. That correspondence likewise indicates that on an undetermined date further war material as yet undelivered under “previous contracts” will be forwarded to Thailand.
It consists of 31 tanks, 6,400 bombs, 70 tons of powder and 900 light machine guns. Chauvel remarked with some concern that given the state of Indochinese defenses the foregoing constitutes a rather formidable strengthening of Thailand’s military power, particularly the tanks. As to whether the Japanese intend ultimately to utilize these weapons now sold to Thailand themselves he would not venture to express any opinion. He said that these shipments to Thailand are contrary to Japanese promises that such shipments would cease with French acceptance of Japan’s mediation in the Thailand dispute.