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But that was too late. At the upper level, I had set up an Assembly of Privy Councillors to train government officials since I found that they did not know how to speak up. I set this assembly up, hoping there would be a platform for them to exercise their judgment and express their voices. When I went to America, I gave an interview saying that a constitution was planned to be given. Upon my return, I felt even more sure that the constitution should not be held back any longer. I then conferred with Mister Stevens,[1] who, however, told me that it was not the time yet. As for Phraya Siwisan, from whom I also sought counsel, he was of the same mind[2] as Mister Stevens. Now that Phraya Siwisan and Mister Stevens offered such objection, the matter again ended in a flop. Later, I planned not to announce ⟨the constitution⟩ before the Kingdom's sesquicentennial celebrations. Probably because of my cowardice, I waited to announce it after the celebrations. I proposed this at a meeting of the Supreme Council of State. By cause of Mister Stevens' objection, the meeting remonstrated, saying the economy was being depressed. Yet, before I went to Hua Hin, I conceived ideas of having a prime minister, having an assembly which can interpellate state ministers and request their change, and having representatives from outer towns. However, it was extremely difficult for each of these to come true. I hope that you would see how hard it was for me to go against adults who had been in the government service for over twenty years ahead of me.
"My second plan was that the Minister of Seals would be permitted to preside over the cabinet, I myself would not attend the cabinet, and the number of Privy Councillors would be enlarged to allow them to act as a parliament. The second plan I prepared was like thait. I also carried the plan with me when I travelled to Hua Hin, in order
