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

30 Nicholas Tarling
not identify the other emissary. It was agreed that they could land, but
that they must be kept under surveillance.94 A partially reassuring
telegram from Crosby confirmed this view. 95 The delegation in fact
included Chao Phya Sri Dharrnadhibes, ex-Minister of Finance, the
president of the Assembly; Luang Tharnrong Nawaswasdi, who was
secretary-general oft he State Council; and Nai Direk Jayanarna, secretary
to the foreign rninistry.96 Immediately after a telegram from Crosby
had brought this information, the Horne Office rang up to say that an
individual called Tharnrong had already arrived and gone straight to
Knowle. Another worried telegram to Crosby: but this was another
Thamrong, from the King's own secretariat.97
The Foreign Office considered that the idea of a plot against the
King's life was, as Harrison put it, likely 'to be a figment of the King's
own imagination, stimulated by his ill-health and the recent assassination
at Marseilles'. But certain elementary precautions had to be taken. 98
In fact the idea seems rather to have originated with the King's secretary
and Scotland Yard.9 9 The arrival of the delegation itself, respectable
as it bad turned out to be, still, however, required further precautions.
Scotland Yard reported the delegates' reaching Genoa at the end of
November. They were expected to attend a reception for students at
the Legation in London on 10 December 'before attempting to seek
audience with their King'. Two Special Branch officers would be with
the King when the reception was held. Harrison told S.J. Baker of the
Home Office 'that we were a little disturbed at the idea of two police
officers being present when the King of Siam received the delegation,
unless it were at H.M.'s own request'. Baker said Scotland Yard were
satisfied that the delegation was 'more or less reputable, but werfi afraid
94) Hoare to Harrison, 24 October 1934, and minutes, F.O. 371/18208 (F6349/
115/40).
95) Telegram, 26 October 1934, No: 51, F.O. 371/18208 (F6390/115/40).
96) Telegram, 6 November 1934, No. 56R, F.O. 371/18208 (F6608/115/40),
97) Memorandum by Harrison, 7 November 1934; telegram, 8 November, No. 57,
F.O. 371/18208 (F6653, 6654/115/40).
98) Minute, 5 December 1934, F.O. 371!18208 (F7146/115/40).
99) Cf. Crosby to Simon, 4 January 1935, No. 10, F.O. 371/19376 (F924/142/
40).