INTO SIAM, UNDERGROUND KINGDOM

by ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 20, 1946

The fabulous O.S.S. intelligence coverage of Siam- the enemy kingdom of pro-Japanese puppets who maintained undercover alliance with the United States. Nicol Smith, who wrote Burma Road and spent many years in the Orient, headed the Siam mission which originated in Washington with Thai officials. Nineteen Thai students were recruited from American colleges, one of whom was a royal prince; they were screened, trained and outfitted by the O.S.S., and flown to Calcutta. In China the mission hit a snag, months of intrigue, diplomacy, bargaining with the Chinese secret service, Chennault, the Chinese Army, the French, followed; the first attempt at infiltration-after two years preparation- failed; and finally, the last of the original group set out during the monsoon through Indo-China with a Chinese padre, established radio contact with the O.S.S. base from Bangkok's police headquarters. Then liaison was accomplished with the Thai underground, and the mission flew Thais into China for subversive training- who later set up their own schools in Siam, flew American agents into Bangkok, gave a navy review for Smith. The first, detailed account of this mission, and Smith's attempts to synchronize a Thai uprising with Mountbatten's offensive, makes authentic adventure, holding reading.

Pub Date: May 20, 1946

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Bobbs-Merrill

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1946

Categories: NONFICTION