Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, East Asia and the Pacific, Volume XII, Part 2

690B.9321/5–2254: Telegram

No. 163
The Ambassador in Thailand (Donovan) to the Department of State¹

secret

Bangkok, May 22, 1954—5 p.m.

2325.

Part One.

Palmer reported to committee May 22 FF locations and strengths per available information; requested China and Thai verify and give views possible means contacting FF and estimate time necessary contact (Department telegram 2250)² China and Thai promised study make reply.

Part Two.

Regarding other questions Department telegram 2250.

I saw Prime Minister this morning who stated in presence General Kharb³ remaining FF must be cleared out and Thai should cooperate with Government Union Burma take effective measures accomplish objective.

While in Rangoon May 16–17, I saw President and Prime Minister Government Union Burma who stated Government Union Burma would cooperate with Thai this project.

In talking with both sides, I made further point that if both work together to meet this common danger, it will result in greatest assurance of amity and also facilitate cooperation with United States in united action.

Both sides feel FF cannot be permitted remain indefinitely along border marauding, engaging illicit activities, creating disturbances and tensions. Thai would welcome demonstration by FF of professed anti-Communist sentiments by their proceeding Yunnan-Burma border creating trouble for Red China, but see no possibility such eventuality. Thai also see no reason endeavor absorb these alien dissident elements; regard evacuation best solution.

I have assured Thai and Burmese of United States desire help solve remaining problem earliest possible time, but also set forth our reluctance make further financial commitment pending formulation concrete measures achieve further evacuation and justify action. Have emphasized desire achieve strictest operating economy, but Thai reluctant of rail-sea lift routing, reasons security and logistics.

Donovan

1. Repeated to Taipei.
2. Dated May 14; it instructed Palmer and the Embassy in Bangkok to explore the possibility of a further evacuation but stated that the United States was reluctant to make any additional financial commitment until all the factors involved could be studied. (690B.9321/5–1454)
3. Maj. Gen. Kharb Kunjara, Secretary-General to the Prime Minister and Deputy Chief of Defense General Staff.