pnarc180.pdf

had expected to meet with friends from previous trips and also
wanted to do some shopping; and the organized tours, fashion
shows and luncheons interfered with some of their personal
plans.
One of the Thai women commented that if the women's
program had been limited to a half day in each city, it would
have been more than sufficient.
PER DIEM
The USOM/Bangkok authorized a VIP per diem of $25.
This
was only to be paid to the non-resident members of the Thai
Mission for the period during which they actually accompanied
the Mission and participated in the Mission program. CIPM,
under its contract, was responsible for disbursing per diem,
and it exercised careful accounting controls to insure that all
funds were administeved propriy. The Thai made no comment
concerning per diem, but. in view of the numerous luncheons and
dinners offered by American hosts, the per diem was quite adequate.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
Pursuant to the request from USCM/Bangkok that hotels of
reasonable price be obtained, the Hilton Hotel chain, which
provides a discount, was selected. Single rooms in Chicago and
New York were $8, which was a most economical rate in light of
the visitors' $25 per diem. There was some confusion in making
reservations, however, because all of the hotels were booked to
capacity with conventions. The Conrad Hilton Hotel in Chicago
was built prior to 1930 and likewise the Statler Hilton in New
- 32 ­