Expert Fears Elections China's Threat to Thailand 'Empty'
China would have "very great difficulty" in taking over Thailand, H. C. M. Horsley said last night in a University Lecture, "Thailand, Southeast Asia, and Communism."
He said the Red Chinese threat made earlier this year to overthrow the Thai government before year's end is an empty one.
Horsley left Bangkok, Thailand in September after serving for two years as senior research officer for the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization. The British citizen was Deputy Citizen for Chinese Affairs in Malaya from 1947 to 1957.
"THE THAI PEOPLE have attributes you don't find in other Southeast Asian nationalities," he said. "They have tremendous
6 Daily Kansan Tuesday, November 2. 1965
pride—much of which stems from their being the only country in the area that was never colonized. They are very zealous of their integrity."
Horsley said the most perplexing problem for a foreigner to comprehend is the lack of communication within the Thai society. There is very little, he said, between government and citizens, between rural and urban areas, and between the different strata of society.
6
THE MAJOR THREAT to the future stability of Thailand is, ironically, a new constitution being drawn up which will call for elections within six months after its ratification, he said.
"In fact," he noted, "communication within a family is at a minimum." Horsley lived in a compound, consisting of a family and its in-laws, during his stay.
"The people have little knowledge of elections," Horsley said, "and are not ready to elect a government of their own. It presents the danger of communists taking advantage of this ignorance and gaining office.
"The major service the West could provide would be to improve communications," he said. "It should definitely not try to change them into images of ourselves. It would take eons to just change their fundamental beliefs."
COMMENTING ON developments in Southeast Asia, Horsley said the U.S. commitment there seems to be growing steadily
Pharmacy Students Given $250 Awards
Three pharmacy students have received George Guy Hall Memorial Scholarships of $250 for 1965-666.
"I think if the U.S. is to be successful in influencing the area," the authority explained, "it must show first that it means what it says and, secondly, be prepared to carry the burden for as long as is necessary.
while that of the former colonial powers is receding.
They are Robert D. Bennett, Eureka senior, Quentin E. Gilman, Manhattan senior, and Larry E. Hare, Osawatomie fourth year student.
"It if is successful." he added,
"I think the masses will be very greatful though you may never hear them say, thank you."
SENIORS and GRADUATE STUDENTS!
Don't miss this bet!
Put the important story of you and your skills in front of employers who do NOT recruiters to your campus.
Top-flight companies—large and small—from all over the U.S. use Q.E.D to find seniors and graduate students who fit their job opportunities.
Write for details TODAY.
People To People Meeting
FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS
WED. NOV. 3
INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT
NEXT SUMMER
7:00 IN ROOM 306A
IN THE UNION
KU Collegiate Young Republicans present Kansas Attorney General ROBERT C. LONDERHOLM
Students, Faculty, Public Welcome!
Speaking on: "The New Kansas Private Club Laws"
TONIGHT
7:30
DYCHE AUDITORIUM
ARENSBERG'S
819 Mass. VI 3-3470