NO CABINET POST

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26616, 12 November 1947, Page 5

NO CABINET POST

LEADER OF SIAMESE REVOLT APPOINTED ARMY COMMANDER Rec. 10 p.m. BANGKOK, Nov. 10. Marshal Luong Pibul Songgram, the dictator of Siam, who led the revolt on November 9 which overthrew the Government, has not been given a Cabinet post in the new regime, but has assumed command of the Siamese armed forces. The new constitution, which was proclaimed to-day, provides for parliamentary elections within 90 days. Unconfirmed reports received in Singapore from Bangkok stated that Pridi Panomyong, ex-premier and anti-Japanese resistance leader, has taken refuge at naval headquarters. It is believed that Tjiamrong Nawasat, who was deposed by the coup d”etat, is also taking refuge with the navy. The Siamese Navy's action in protecting both Pridi and Thamrong is believed to indicate that the navy so far is not supporting the coup.

POLITICAL CLAUSES LACKING IN PEACE TREATY

Rec. 8 p.m. LONDON, Nov. 16. Diplomatic quarters consider that as Britain’s peace treaty with Siam does not include political clauses it will be dlifficult for Britain to oppose the return to power of Marshal Luong Pibul Songgram, who declared war on the side of Japan. Britain’s European peace treaties provide for the surrender bf war criminals, and Britain expects Siam to continue to honour peace treaty that a peace settlement will provide the Allies with grounds for objecting to Songgram’s coup. The Foreign Office is examining the position. A factor likely to influence Britain is the kind of Government Songgram intends to instal. A Singapore message says that Khuang Abhaiwong, the former wartime Premier has been appointed Prime Minister of Siam, according to the Bangkok radio. The radio also named the council which is to- replace the Regency for King Phumiphon. The Privy Council, immediately after the appointment, promulgated a new Constitution reviving some of the monarchial powers relinquished in 1932. Abhaiwong served as Premier on two previous occasions, briefly in 1944, when Songgram was ousted because of public opposition to the ultranationalist programme, and again early in 1946, but his regime was defeated after a brief stay in office. King Phumiphon is expected to return to Siam in December . A Washington message says that the State Department and the Siamese Embassy declined officially to comment on the coup d’etat in Siam, but United States officials who specialised in Far Eastern affairs said Marshal Songgram was still remembered as the “ man who declared war on the Allies,” and any Siamese Government headed by him would be extremely unpopular with Western democracies. Some diplomatic officials expressed concern for political prisoners falling into Songgram’s hands, because he was noted for atrocities during the war.