1938: Siam

While Siam is one of the smaller countries of Asia — covering only as much territory as the states of Colorado and Utah combined, and having a population of 14,500,000 people — events there are followed with great interest by European countries, especially those having colonial interests in the Far East.

Of late years, great concern has been felt by both France and Great Britain concerning Siam's alleged cooperation with Japan, and an echo of that apprehension was heard in the French Chamber of Deputies on Jan. 26, when the Navy Committee was told by Renaitour that the Government was worried over Japanese shipbuilding activities in the Far East and also over the navy-building program of Siam, between which there seemed to be some connection. 'Siam has made a very considerable naval effort in the Far East,' he said.

Siam is now, and has been since about the year 1350, an independent country. While she has a British Financial Adviser, she has also an American Adviser in the Foreign Office, and a French Adviser in her Judiciary, as well as foreigners in other advisory posts.

Because of misunderstanding of Siam's foreign policy and various of her governmental activities, the Foreign Minister, Luang Pradist Mahudharm, on May 7 issued a statement in regard to Siam's position. It was intended in particular to allay fears in regard to relations between Siam and Japan. The Foreign Minister said, in part: 'Within the last year we have concluded a dozen treaties with various of the powers. Among them was one with Japan which contains no secret clauses. We have not made any concessions to Japan that we have not made to other countries. . . . I cannot emphasize too strongly that Siam is playing no Asiatic favorites.' Luang pointed out in the course of his talk that Siam was a small country, confronted with the difficult problem of changing over from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional government. Siam concluded a commercial treaty with the United States on June 13, 1938.

There was considerable excitement in Bangkok, the capital, in the first week of October, when a revolt against the Government was quickly and bloodlessly suppressed by the military junta that has ruled the country since the abdication of King Prajadhipok in 1932. While there is some mystery as to the reason for the rebellion, it is generally believed to have been an attempt to restore to power the former King, who was very popular. No disturbances have occurred since then, and Bangkok has been quiet.