THAILAND. Your telegram No. 20 of 19th January to the United
Kingdom Government. [1] Domei newsagency has stated that Wang
Ching-wei's Government [2] will be recognised by Germany and Italy
whilst 'gesture' expected from Thailand.

The British Minister at Bangkok [3] considers it likely that
Japanese have rejected non-aggression pact offered by the Thai
Government (simultaneously with latter's offers to the United
Kingdom and France) because they hope for something better in the
shape of promise by the Thais to recognise the Wang Government.

Thai Foreign Office state that no proposal to that effect yet
received from Japanese. The British Minister has, however,
impressed on them unfortunate consequences if Thailand were thus
to align herself with the Axis.

The Minister is urging the United Kingdom Government that the
possibility of Thai agreement with Japan over China makes it more
than ever desirable that the United Kingdom should themselves
conclude non-aggression pact with Thailand and should do so
quickly. He points out-
(a) If the United Kingdom and French both reject Thai offer,
Thailand will be more likely to give Japan what she wants.

Japanese-Thai agreement over China without a non-aggression pact
with the United Kingdom would deal disastrous blow at British and
French prestige.

(b) On the other hand if the United Kingdom accepts pact and
Thailand is still willing to come to an agreement with Japan the
United Kingdom and France will lose much less face than if they
had no pact at all.

He urged the Secretary of State [4] to employ argument (b) with
the French Government. I am stressing to the United Kingdom
Government your interest in the matter as shown by your cable No.

20 and urging that the United Kingdom should immediately enter
into pact and exercise strong pressure on French to do the same.

[5]

BRUCE