Peace with Siam
The agreement which ends the state of war between the United Kingdom of Siam, on the one hand, and the United Kingdom and India on the other, is welcomed as the first of the many treaties which have to be negotiated before the world can conclude its un-
easy transition from war to peace. The treaty would be of even greater significance if one could think that, in its main principles, it would serve as a model for those which must come later. Its terms show the generosity and moderation which are essential if defeated enemies are to become friends and allies ; there is no other way of ending a war than by creating a basis for positive co-operation and mutual trust. Siam is required to restore the British territories given to her by Japan in reward for her assistance, and to make restitution of British rights, properties and interests seized during the war ; the only serious new burden placed upon her is the obli- gation to provide up to 1,5oo,00o tons of rice for distribution to the distressed peoples of Eastern Asia, and to make available for pur- chase within the next 21 months all rice not required for internal consumption. The cost of defeat for Siam is therefore a contri- bution to alleviating the miseries which the war has brought on the Asiatic peoples. Apart from this direct contribution, the resumption of normal relations between her and her late enemies is a valuable start towards the general pacification of the Far East, especially as Great Britain and India have undertaken to support her candidature to the United Nations Organisation.
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