EFFECTS OF COUP

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28385, 18 September 1957, Page 13

EFFECTS OF COUP

S.EA.T.O. Talks May Be Delayed

(Rec. 11.30 p.m.) BANGKOK, Sept. 17. It is not known whether a meeting of the military advisers of the South-east Asia Treaty Organisation, which was to have begun in Bangkok on Thursday, will still be held as a result of the Army’s seizure of power. Bangkok is the headquarters of SJE.A.T.O. and a Thai, Mr Pote Sarasin, has been appointed its first secretary-general. The Filipino Chief of Staff, General Alfonso Arrellano, has

already arrived for the talks. Felix Stump, the United States Pacific commander-in-chief, is due tomorrow.

The meeting was to have been opened by the deposed Prime Minister, Field-Marshal Pibul Songgram, but his whereabouts are not known and he is believed to have gone into hiding. Qantas Empire Airways announced in Singapore today that London-bound aircraft were not landing at Bangkok because of the disturbed situation, but flying on to Calcutta, according to the British United Press. Unexpected Move The American Associated Press laid Field-Marshal Sarit’s move today was unexpected. Since he resigned from his Cabinet post as Defence Minister three weeks ago, he has repeatedly expressed support for Field-Marshal Pibul. So, for that matter, had General Phao, the police chief. But there had been a strong undercurrent of dissension in high Thai military circles since the General Elections several months ago when Field-Marshal Pibul retained power. Feelings rose so sharply that martial law was imposed.