WesWorld

25 April

Royal Emergency Decree No. 321

Effective immediately, the border between the Kingdom of Siam and the British colony of Burma is closed in its entireity. No personnel, animals, equipment or any other material may cross the border under any circumstances. Security personnel are hereby authorised to utilise lethal measures to enforce this decree.

The Royal Siamese Army and the Royal Siamese Air Force are hereby ordered to undertake whatever actions are necessary to enforce this decree.

The Royal Siamese Navy is hereby ordered to undertake a blockade of the western coast of Siam. All vessels seeking entry are to be stopped and boarded by personnel equipped with personal protective gear against biological infection. Vessels found to be infected are to be denied entry to Siamese ports. Any vessels that refuse to submit to inspection or resist denial of entry are to be terminated with extreme prejustice.

The United Kingdom of Great Britian and Northern Ireland is hereby informed of these provisions, and is requested to ensure that the people of its Burmese colony are advised of these measures.

Under the provisions of the treaty of 1 January 1932, The Kingdom of Denmark is hereby requested to provide naval assistance in ensuring the defensive blockade of the western coast of Siam.

signed
Prajadhipok, Rama VII

April 26th 1932.

Following a proclamation fro His Majesty Rama VII, and persuant to Article VI, Section IV of the Treaty between The Kingdom of Siam and The Kingdom of Denmark, all necessary aid will be afforded to our Siamese friends during this crisis.

Rear Admiral Bluhme,
O.C. Phuket.

28 April

The United Kingdom has extended the measures being taken to contain the spread of El Derretir in the East Indies to the territory of, and seas around, Burma. All aircraft and shipping within the waters of Burma is to report immediately to the nearest harbour, where health checks and quarantine will be imposed. All non-essential movement of people, goods or livestock is prohibited; this extends to foreign diplomatic personnel. Persons who have visited the aforementioned colonies within two weeks are to report to their nearest police station or military base immediately. Units of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force have been placed on an increased state of readiness in the colonies, with orders to use any force, up to and including lethal force, to prevent the spread of the disease and promote recovery of those already suffering.

Additionally, the British Army and Royal Air Force will be mounting routine patrols of the borders of the territory, in order to prevent persons suspected of carrying the disease from entering or departing Burma surreptitiously.

From the Indian government to Britain, Denmark, and Siam: "Is there merit in estabilshing a liaison body to coordinate the quarantine and patrol measures being implemented by our respective navies?"

The Royal Navy would certainly be willing to operate with such a liaison body for the quarantine and patrol operations.

Denmark Will be more than willing to co-operate with such a body

Siam is grateful for the assistance, and agrees that a joint liasion force for combating the spread of the dreaded plague is an excellent suggestion. Siam suggests that the base at Phuket might be feasible for use for the HQ of such a body.

The hospital and base facilities at "Cape Bamboo" on Phya Thai will serve adequately serve the purposes of this joint venture.

Governor-General A.C.D. de Graeff notifies the Government of Siam that the Netherlands would be pleased if we could be of assistance. Vice Admiral Jacob De Boer, Commander of the Indic fleet, will delegate a laison officer. A squadron, or two if requested, of eight KLK Putten class patrol vessels will be made available.

Australia will send a representative. Two Frigate squadrons and the Multi Purpose (minewarfare) squadron are available.

"Siam appreciates greatly the Dutch and Australian offers of assistance, however things are expected to be fully in hand with the current assets available. We do, however, advise the Dutch to be vigilant that Burmese refugees do not spread the plague to western Sumatra..."