Bangkok. [1] Necessary arrangements can be made to hold Flying
Boat for 24 hours and itinerary would be 1 day later at subsequent
points. I gather your decision to pay official visit influenced by
view of British Minister Bangkok. Discreet enquiries here without
disclosing your definite intention show Foreign Office view would
be somewhat different to Minister's. I think their probable
attitude would be that while they are anxious to do everything
possible to bring about a settlement of Thai-Indo-China dispute
they would feel that an official visit from a British Prime
Minister at this stage
(a) would be exploited by Thais and
(b) might be misinterpreted by French and Americans.

With regard to French although Governor General of Indo-China [2]
has declined United Kingdom's offer of good offices United Kingdom
Government would deprecate anything that might prejudice
possibility of their promoting direct negotiations at a later
stage should opportunity occur.

With regard to Americans owing to U.S.A.'s unreal and obstinate
attitude of regarding Thais as aggressors visit might cause
considerable friction.

Foreign Office would probably feel that if visit were unofficial
points indicated above would not have same force but that
discussions with Thais in view of delicate position with French
and Americans might prove embarrassing.

Felt you would desire have probable reactions here to proposed
visit.

Please advise your decision urgently as if it is to pay official
or unofficial visit necessary instructions to hold Flying Boat at
Bangkok have to be sent. [3]

BRUCE