Evening star., 1941-11-29
Threatened ThuiIund

IuISOtCIICO luOIlOIIO
Thailand, the strategic buffer state
lying between Japanese dominated
Indo- China and Britain's possessions
in Burma and Malaysia, seems to be
the storm center in the diplomatic
tempest blowing up in the Far East.
This relatively small kingdom OF
100000 inhabitants, obviously is
being subjected to intense japanese
pressure. OutWardly it is standing
firm for the maintenance of its inde-
pendence and neutrality. Imme-
diately after a long interview with
the japanese Minister, bearing the
suggestive name of lingo Futami, the
Thai Premier, Luang Bipul Song
gram, went on the air and issued an
appeal calling upon his people Ito
strengthen the home front and be
prepared to sacrifice all in defense
of the homeland" He drew clear
distinction between the diplomatic
attitude of Britain and the United
States, which have promised to re-
spect Thailand's independence, and
that of Japan, which has merely
given assurances that it would do
its utmost to promote cordial rela-
tionS." RumorS are current in
Bangkok, the Thai capital, that the
japanese Minister has served the
Premier with demands having al
most the character Of an ultimatum.
Ever since the close of the rainy
season some weeks ago rendered a
japanese invasion more practicable,
the small but well-equipped Thai
Army has been on a war footing.
The will to resist japanese aggres-
sion, indicated by the Premier's radio
appeal, is strongly echoed by the
Thai Minister to Washington, who
declared roundly in an interview
that Japan will go through Thailand
over our dead bodies" Nevertheless,
even Thai official spokesmen admit
that Japan could not be long resisted
without substantial aid from Britain
and America. Also, it should not be
forgotten that, until Japan occupied
Indo-China, its influence in Thai
land was very strong. Japan it was
which encouraged Thailand to de-
mand territorial adjustments with the
French government of Indo-China,
and which almost openly backed
Thailand when it invaded Indo-
China to enforce its claims. The
spectacle of Indo-China filled with
japanese troops and ruthlessly ex-
plotted for Japan's benefit has rap
idly cooled Thai Sympathies for
Nippon. Still, Japanese influence is
strong in many quarters, Japanese
agents permeate the country, and an
efficient fifth column" organization
probably exists in Thailand, ready to
do its familiar work if Japanese
troops should cross the border. De-
spite strong words from official
spokesmen, therefore, effective Thai
resistance cannot be taken for
granted.
There can be scant doubt that
Japan now is in a position to strike
quick and hard. Two months ago,
the number of Japanese troops in
Indo-China was estimated to be at
least $4,000, and since then large
reinforcements have been pouring
in. One of the more ominous aspects
of the situation is the fact that, dur
ing the current Kurusu-Nomura
conversations here in Washington
especially large contingents of troops
have landed, while reports from
Shanghai and elsewhere indicate that
still other troop conveys are on the
way.
All this indicates that Japan Is
getting ready for action. And. il
Japan does invade Thailand, there
can be little doubt that Britain, at
least, will offer armed opposition
even though the Thai government
does not do so. In Japanese hands
Thailand would be a deadly threat
alike to Singapore and to Burma
with its famous road which is China's
lifeline with the outer world. That
America would stand by under such
circumstances is most unlikely, so 6
Japanese invasion of Thailand NIGH
we'll be the spark which would touch
off war in the Far East. This, th'
leaders of Japan presumably know
Yet their military preparations indi
cate a readiness to risk that alterna.
tive.