It is a matter for hearty congratulation that a treaty of amity and friendship has now been concluded between Japan and Thailand—two nations which, as is well known, have maintained very cordial relations as Oriental nations in East Asia.
The friendship of Thailand for Japan that was so unmistakably demonstrated at the time of the Manchurian Incident has been to our people a source of deep appreciation. The Government and people of Japan on their part
have always manifested wholehearted sympathy toward the growth of the spirit and movement of nationalism in Thailand. For instance, Japan cooperated fully with Thailand in her efforts to free herself from the status of inequality in international relations, and concluded with her in 1937 a treaty of commerce and navigation on a completely equal footing. The cordiality of relations between the two countries has since increased in warmth, and today the treaty of amity and friendship was signed to reaffirm and strengthen further their traditional friendly relations.
The proposal for the conclusion of such a treaty was originally made by the Thai Government, with which negotiations have been conducted through our Minister at Bangkok, Mr. Kuramatsu Murai, resulting in the present instrument.
At first a desire was expressed for the conclusion of a non-aggression treaty. But, in view of the above-mentioned amicable relations subsisting between Japan and Thailand, as well as of the fact that a non-aggression treaty is not necessarily suitable to the Japanese-Thai relations in the light of recent examples, the Japanese Government, placing more importance on mutual cooperation, have concluded a treaty embodying the points as announced. The present treaty provides for mutual respect of the territorial integrity, reaffirmation of the peace and friendly relations between the two countries, exchange of information and consultation with regard to matters of interest common to them, and pledge of non-assistance to each other's enemy. By this treaty, we believe that Japan and Thailand will be able to maintain their friendly relationship on a firm basis regardless of any change in the world situation that may take place in the future and to contribute toward the stability and prosperity not only of East Asia but of the entire world.
Great Britain and France, it is said, have been conducting negotiations with Thailand for the conclusion of a non-aggression pact. Japan has, however, always carried on negotiations for the present treaty quite apart from them and from her independent standpoint.