The Journal of the Siam Society Vol. LXIV, Part 1-2, 1976 - Khamkoo

12 Nicholas Tarling
This Crosby felt he could not take too seriously, since, 'temperamentally'
and 'racially', Japanese and Siamese were 'poles apart'; and the Siamese
were 'at once too astute and too proud to derive from Nippon-at
second-hand-their instruction in the knowledge and sciences of the
West; they are more likely to prefer the original article procured at its
source .... ' Crosby ascribed the initiative in these developments more
to Japan than to Siam. 'It seems to be all part of the big drive, inspired
largely by economic motives, in which Japan has been engaged in the
Far. East during the past two years or so .... '45
A few weeks later, Crosby modified his view of the Siamese attitude
to Japan. What he had said applied to
the older generation of Siamese, but I have since discovered
that the young men of today are less fastidious than their
forbears, and that the facilities for technical education offered
in Japan are likely to attract them on the ground of
cheapness.. . . I am now disposed to regard Japaness rivalry
with us here as a thing which should not be taken too lightly.
Japan is underselling us all along the line and I must confess
I cannot see a remedy for the evil ... 46
True, with the fading of the idea that Britain and France would intervene
against the revolution, there was 'even a dawning recollection of the
threat to Siam's independence-always so present to the mind of her
late rulers-wbichwould arise if the Japanese should ever succeed in
obtaining for t!lemselves an absolutely free band in Asia ..•. ' But as
a result of its industrial and military activities, Japan bad attained a
'predominant position' in Asia, and Siam was bound to take it into
account as 'one of the pivotal points around which her foreign policy
must turn· .... ' Furthermore, Siam might seek more Japanese advisers,
who would be cheaper than the Europeans, and, for a similar reason;
might send more students to Japan.
45) Crosby to Orde, 18 A1,1gust 1934, F.O. 371!18207 (F5730/21/40).
46) Crosby to Orde, 29 September 1934, F.O. 371/18210 (F6579/3035/40).