741.92/12–2245: Telegram
The Political Adviser in Siam (Yost) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 23—8:20 a.m.]
89. At press conference December 19 Prime Minister indicated that negotiations with French concerning former Indochina provinces annexed by Siam would probably be undertaken immediately after conclusion of agreement with British. Seni added that question might be referred to World Court for decision.
We learn from Suni who acts as contact man for Pradit and Seni, that Govt is actively considering means of dealing with Indochina question. They are beginning to recognize that act of acquisition of territories of Pibul regime with Japanese aid must be repudiated but hope for domestic political reasons they can:
- 1.
- In announcing repudiation refer to an Allied request that they do so.
- 2.
- Refer question immediately to UNO for adjudication.
- 3.
- Pending UNO decision retain administration of territories, if necessary under supervision of a United Nations commission.
They believe to hand administration of territories immediately back to France would cause grave repercussions among Siamese, Annamites and population of territories. Concrete proposal along these lines may be presented to us informally for consideration in near future.