United States | Communique to Thailand

[Odinson]

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OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES AMBASSADOR TO THE REPUBLIC OF THAILAND​

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ENCRYPTED MESSAGE​

TO: Surakiart Sathirathai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Thailand ( Bossza007 )​

FROM: Lewis Hatfield, United States Ambassador to The Republic of Thailand

Minister Sathirathai,

The State Department has received conflicting reports about the Thai military presence in New Caledonia. Until recently, the Federal Government has understood Thailand to be in New Caledonia to provide humanitarian aid and to assist the French government. However, the State Department has recently received a number of reports that your armed forces are fully occupying the island. The United States Federal Government would like confirmation that your armed forces are only in New Caledonia for humanitarian reasons and to support the French government, and that Thailand will not maintain a permanent presence on the island.​

Best regards,

Lewis Hatfield
United States Ambassador to Thailand
​

 

[Bossza007]

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To: <Lewis Hatfield, United States Ambassador to The Republic of Thailand> Odinson From: <Sarabun@mfa.mail.go.th> Subject: New Caledonian Crisis Inquery Security Type: Secure Encrypted Method - Protect by NIA Counter-Intelligence Service - The decryption method is sent separately via fax

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Dear Ambassador Hatfield,

While I currently find myself based in Mexico City, facilitating high-level discussions with the Mexican Government, I assure you that your communique has been given immediate priority and thoughtful attention. I appreciate your understanding of the intricate diplomatic situation evolving in New Caledonia and your seeking clarity in our role within it.

The Republic of Thailand, as a responsible global stakeholder, is actively engaged in New Caledonia in a humanitarian capacity. Recent escalations and deteriorating conditions compelled our intervention, leading to a seemingly extensive military presence on the island. This has resulted from the unfortunate reality that the AINC has taken full control, leading to a necessary shift in our operational deployment.

Our involvement, I should emphasize, is predicated on our agreed framework with the French Government. As per this agreement, it is incumbent upon us to adapt our deployment in proportion to the threat posed by the AINC. In light of the fact that the French authorities have unfortunately lost their grip over the territory and their communication networks, we felt compelled, out of profound respect for their sovereignty, to launch a comprehensive intervention against the AINC-dominated New Caledonia.

Allow me to underscore the fact that the Republic of Thailand harbors no designs to annex or establish a permanent presence in New Caledonia. We fully recognize the geopolitical and diplomatic implications of such an action, not least because it would infringe upon the sovereignty of a respected European nation. Our commitment remains to restore peace and stability to the area, in the spirit of our long-standing international partnerships.

We fully align our operations with the French Government's directives and continue to await further instructions. Until such a time, our mission in New Caledonia is grounded in our responsibility to protect its citizens, adhering to the tenets of our agreed framework.

As we move forward, Ambassador, I assure you that the Republic of Thailand remains dedicated to upholding the principles of international law and is committed to working with its partners to achieve peace and stability in New Caledonia. We appreciate the understanding and support of the United States in these complex circumstances.

Yours sincerely,

Surakiart Sathirathai,
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Thailand

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