[Secret]
From: Bangkok
To: Tokyo
25 November 1941
(Purple)
#849 (In 2 parts, complete)
In
the event of the Empire's taking decisive action in a southward advance, it
will of course be necessary in the exercise of a belligerent's rights to make
clear the relations of sovereign and subjects. On the one hand it will be
absolutely necessary to bring Thai into our camp. My conversation with Pibul as
reported in my #834* was undertaken with this as the underlying motive. If and
when Japan at last does make her proposals of joint defense, the following
three points should be made especially definite, and Thai should be led to
voluntarily take an attitude of cooperation with us.
(1)
In the event of an attack upon Burma and Malay, there would of course be a
temporary infringement upon the territorial sovereignty of Thailand, but after
our objectives have been attained, restoration would immediately be made, and
the independence of Thai would be respected even more than at present while
Thai is maintaining neutrality.
(2)
In case she cooperates in a positive way with Japan, full assurances will be
given that Thailand's swamp lands will be reclaimed in the areas concerned.
(3)
In the event of Thai's assets in England being frozen great fluctuation would
result in the value of Thai's money, but Japan would make available sufficient
funds to create a foundation for a yen "bloc" money system, and also
give every consideration to providing petroleum and other essential
commodities.
To
summarize: By cooperating with Japan the racial longings of Thailand will be
realized, and with indivisible relations with Japan her existence as an
independent nation will be strengthened . . . (three lines missed) . . . stop
with as simple a . . . as possible to the effect that "will cooperate in
every way for the realization of the objectives of East Asia co-prosperity and
stability", while the particulars as necessity may require will be put
into a secret treaty . . .
Furthermore,
in the light of Japan's basic national policy which has for its purpose the
establishment of an East Asia co-prosperity sphere, and the emancipation of the
Asiatic peoples, it goes without saying that Thailand's sovereignty must not be
impaired beyond the minimum limits of necessity, and that her standing as an
independent nation must be maintained to the very last; while strictest military
discipline must be used to reassure the Thai populace and strict control should
by all means be exercised over any attempts at profiteering.
Have
sent by the hand of Consul General Asada who has returned to Japan, but to make
doubly sure I am also cabling it to you.
25389
JD-1:6844 (F) Navy Trans. 11-27-41 (S-TT)
*Available, dated 21 November.
(EXHIBITS OF JOINT COMMITTEE , EXHIBIT NO. 1 INTERCEPTED DIPLOMATIC MESSAGES SENT BY THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT BETWEEN JULY l AND DECEMBER 8, 1941)