Международная научная конференция ЮВА в СПбГУ-65

Международная научная конференция, посвященная 65-й годовщине начала изучения языков ЮВА в нашей стране Circumventing the ColdWar divisions:Thailand and India in the South-to-South Diplomatic Space 343 any invitation because Thailand was not part of non-alignment and was fully committed to the Liberal Democratic camp [ Bangkok Post, 24 December 1954]. The Phibun Government treated Nehru-Nu’s Bangkok stop-over as if it were a state visit. In contrast to the Pakistan Premier Mohammad Ali’s stop-over on the same day during which he was received in the airport VIP room, the Burmese and the Indian Premiers were greeted by the Thai Prime Minister Phibun, Colonel Vorakan, acting Minister of ForeignAffairs, and the Marshall of theAirforce [ Bangkok Post, 24 December 1954]. Perhaps, this contrast was reflective of the nature of Thai-Pakistani relations. Their partnership in SEATO engendered not by the closeness of their relationship but the fact that both looked to the United States for military support. A review of a military guard of honour was followed by Phibun placing fresh flower garlands onto Nehru and Nu as a welcoming gesture. Then, the three leaders ascended a Cadillac Cabriolet and drove off through heavy traffic from Don Muang Airport to Bangkok. All of this welcoming ceremony was covered in detail in Thailand Illustrated— a monthly magazine published by the government’s public relations department that presented the works of the Prime Minister and the government through photojournalism. The Nehru-Nu stop-over was presented just after the report of the SEATO Conference in Bangkok, which made the cover story of the issue. This reflected the Phibun Government’s position in late 1954 to 1955, which PrinceWan explained to the British ambassador Berkeley Gage that Thailand would now make strong efforts to improve its relations with neighbouring countries and the Colombo Powers in conjunction with its defence commitment under the Manila Pact [Confidential Telegram no. 1011/34/55 from Berkeley Gage to FO, dated 2August 1955, in FO 371/117338 Situation in Siam, National Archives (Kew) henceforth NA]. Nehru and Nu signed the guest book at the Grand Palace. Then it was time for the Prime Ministers’ discussion. While it remained unclear what was discussed between the three leaders until more sources become available, it was possible to speculate that Nehru and Nu would have