THAI CONDOLENCE MESSAGES ON THE DEATH OF FORMER

UNCLAS BANGKOK 007627

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL US
SUBJECT: THAI CONDOLENCE MESSAGES ON THE DEATH OF FORMER
PRESIDENT FORD

REF: STATE 203066


1. On December 28, we received from the Thai MFA unsigned,
faxed copies of condolence messages from Prime Minister
Surayud Chulanont and Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram.
The texts of the messages follow.

BEGIN TEXT OF PRIME MINISTER'S LETTER:

Dear Mr. President,

I am deeply saddened to learn of the demise of former
President Gerald Ford. He will be remembered by all of us
for his courage and honesty in uniting his great nation. His
long public service, marked by true devotion to duty and
national interest, will continue to occupy a special place in
the memory of American people and ours. Many countries
including Thailand have benefited from his legacy in bringing
peace and unity to the United States of America and the world
during a most challenging time in history. His integrity and
honest leadership have moved America forward, and will
continue to elicit our highest admiration and respect.

On behalf of the Royal Thai Government and its people, I join
you in sending our deepest condolences through you to Mrs.
Ford and the Ford family, and to you and the American people
for this great loss.

Yours Sincerely,

General Surayud Chulanont
Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand

END TEXT OF PRIME MINISTER'S LETTER

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BEGIN TEXT OF FOREIGN MINISTER'S LETTER:

Dear Secretary Rice,

It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing away
of former President Gerald Ford. We all recognized him as a
great leader of integrity who brought peace and harmony to
America during a tumultuous time in world history. For that
legacy, he will be long remembered by all of us for his
courage and decency, and will be greatly admired for his
honesty and devotion to his presidency. Thailand and its
people have benefited from his vision and leadership in
unifying a great nation like America. We will continue to
share his thoughts and dreams. His reputable integrity will
guide and inspire us for generations to come.

The Thai people join you and all American friends in mourning
the loss of such a great leader. In our sadness, I seek your
kind consideration in conveying to Mrs. Betty Ford and the
Ford family our deepest sympathies.

Yours Sincerely,

Mr. Nitya Pibulsonggram
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand

END TEXT OF FOREIGN MINISTER'S LETTER

ARVIZU