Siam’s Precautions Against Communists

Grey River Argus, 23 February 1949, Page 5

Siam’s Precautions Against Communists

(N.Z.P. A.—Reuter). (Rec 9.50) BANGKOK, Feb 22. A stale of'national emergency was declared in Bangkok yesterday. This allegedly, has been done to combat the growing Communist menace in Siam. • . , Political circles were surprised that a state of emergency had not been proclaimed until four days after the Cabinet had passed a resolution approving of the measure. Some circles attribute the delay to his political opponents engaging in criticism of some measures proposed by the premier, Phibul Songkhram. Siamese Army LONDON, February 19. Britain has agreed to supply arms immediately to equip five infantry divisions of the Siamese Army says Reuter’s diplomatic correspondent. The decision fits into the general framework of cnllaborat ; on between the British and Siamese Governments against Communist-armed activity m South-east Asia, particularly in the Malav-Sam frontier area. Recommendations were recently received hv the British Foreign Office from Sir Geoffrey Harrington Thompson, British Ambassador to S’am, on the best methods of promoting this collaboration. There is at the moment no question of supplying. British instructors or military advisers to the Siamese Army.