NEUTRALITY OF SIAM

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21231, 30 September 1940, Page 2

NEUTRALITY OF SIAM

TREATIES WITH POWERS PRESERVATION OF STATUS QUO The neutrality of Thailand (Siam) in all circumstances was formally assured by the signing in Bangkok and Tokyo recently of treaties of non-aggression between the Thai Government and Great Britain, France, and Japan. The treaties between Thailand and Britain and France, described as pacts of nonaggression, were signed in Bangkok. The treaty with Japan, signed in Tokyo, was described as a treaty concerning the continuance of friendly relations and mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity. The treaties are regarded in Singapore as the accomplishment of Thailand's desire to establish beyond all doubt her neutrality and as reinforcing her wish for “independent national existence together with friendly co-operation with all Powers and favouritism for none.” They dispose of ill-intentioned propagandist suggestions that Thailand is “pr<^Japanese” or equally tendentious hints that she has asked to join in an ment—which suggestic«s proMftedl a well-merited official denial worn Bangkok last year. Thailand regards Britain, in the words of a former Foreign Minister, as ‘‘a trusted and powerful friend.” So far as France is concerned, the treaty with Thailand is particularly welcome, since French-Thai relations have not always in the past been entirely satisfactory. Japan’s signature to a treaty with Thailand is regarded as coinciding with her policy of the maintenance of peace and the status quo in East Asia.