British-Thai Non-Aggression Pact
Encyclopedia
The British-Thai Non-Aggression Pact was concluded in Bangkok
on June 12, 1940 between the governments of Great Britain
and the Kingdom of Thailand. It was concluded as part of the British policy at that time of refraining from resisting by force the actions of the Japanese Empire in East Asia, as Thailand was about to become Japan's ally.
Ratifications were exchanged in Bangkok on August 31, 1940, and the pact became effective on the same day. It was designated to remain in force for five years, unless extended. The pact was registered in League of Nations Treaty Series on June 6, 1941.
. As a result, it developed a policy of not recognizing legally the changes made by Japanese actions, but at the same time refraining from antagonizing the Japanese government by actual resistance. This policy became evident in the so-called Craigie-Arita formula of July 1939, by which the British government refrained from open opposition to Japanese military actions in China.
This situation continued following the outbreak of the Second World War in Europe in September 1939. On July 18, 1940, the British government accepted the Japanese demands for closing the Burma Road
for three months to prevent war supplies to China. In addition, the government of Thailand was now becoming aligned with the Japanese Empire. During the battle of France (May-June 1940), the British government became extremely cautious in this policy, and concluded that pact with Bangkok so as not to antagonize Tokyo.
. In article 5 the two governments undertook not to disrupt one another's control over its territories. Article 6 provided for ratification of the pact.
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
on June 12, 1940 between the governments of Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain or Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island, as well as the largest of the British Isles...
and the Kingdom of Thailand. It was concluded as part of the British policy at that time of refraining from resisting by force the actions of the Japanese Empire in East Asia, as Thailand was about to become Japan's ally.
Ratifications were exchanged in Bangkok on August 31, 1940, and the pact became effective on the same day. It was designated to remain in force for five years, unless extended. The pact was registered in League of Nations Treaty Series on June 6, 1941.
Background
Following the Japanese invasion of China in 1937, British policy in East Asia was in a state of confusion. The British government opposed Japanese expansionist policies, but at this point was not in a position to take up arms against the Japanese actions, especially following the Tientsin IncidentTientsin Incident
was an international incident created by a blockade by the Imperial Japanese Army's Japanese Northern China Area Army of the British settlements in the north China treaty port of Tianjin in June 1939...
. As a result, it developed a policy of not recognizing legally the changes made by Japanese actions, but at the same time refraining from antagonizing the Japanese government by actual resistance. This policy became evident in the so-called Craigie-Arita formula of July 1939, by which the British government refrained from open opposition to Japanese military actions in China.
This situation continued following the outbreak of the Second World War in Europe in September 1939. On July 18, 1940, the British government accepted the Japanese demands for closing the Burma Road
Burma Road
The Burma Road is a road linking Burma with the southwest of China. Its terminals are Kunming, Yunnan, and Lashio, Burma. When it was built, Burma was a British colony.The road is long and runs through rough mountain country...
for three months to prevent war supplies to China. In addition, the government of Thailand was now becoming aligned with the Japanese Empire. During the battle of France (May-June 1940), the British government became extremely cautious in this policy, and concluded that pact with Bangkok so as not to antagonize Tokyo.
Terms of the agreement
Article 1 stipulated the British and Thai governments shall not resort to war against one another. Article 2 provided for termination of the pact in case either the British or Thai government committed an act of aggression against a third party. Article 3 annulled any previous obligation by either the British or Thai governments to assist a third party in a war against one another. Article 4 stipulated that nothing in the pact could annul legal obligations arising from the Covenant of the League of NationsCovenant of the League of Nations
-Creation:Early drafts for a possible League of Nations began even before the end of the First World War. A London-based study group led by James Bryce and G. Lowes Dickinson made proposals adopted by the British League of Nations Society, founded in 1915. Another group in the United States—which...
. In article 5 the two governments undertook not to disrupt one another's control over its territories. Article 6 provided for ratification of the pact.
See also
- Treaty between Thailand and Japan Concerning the Continuance of Friendly Relations and the Mutual Respect of Each Other's Territorial Integrity