Your 831 (FEC 119). [1]

We consider the best course would be to try at Thursday's meeting
to have the matter brought to a vote on its merits. Our main
argument should be that Thailand was at war with us and other
Allies and that no assets should be released to Thailand until all
outstanding wartime claims against Thailand have been settled. We
would not be unduly disturbed if FEC should decide that Indo-
China's share should be released forthwith, though we are still
doubtful about legality of title in both cases. An immediate vote
on the substantive question would safeguard the authority of FEC
and would at the same time place on the United States the onus of
deciding whether to veto if it found itself in minority.

If however FEC is unwilling to consider proposal on its merits,
you should move that directive be postponed until question can be
fully investigated, considered and decided by FEC in interests of
all Governments which participated actively in war against Japan.

We are doubtful whether there is anything to be gained from
entering into legal argument on question of tide. Investigation
might show that legal title is valid, but this is in any event
secondary to main consideration that Thailand has not even yet
settled outstanding claims [by] [2] Australia.