Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, East Asia and the Pacific, Volume VI

120.43/2–2750: Telegram

The Ambassador in Thailand (Stanton) to the Secretary of State

top secret

Bangkok, February 27, 1950—11 a. m.

178. Summary remarks Ambassador Henderson on supporting Japan or India or balance between the two.¹

1. Conference agreed not desirable build either Japan or India to supremacy in Asia and doubted possibility of balance of power while USSR and China under Communists.

2. With India unable settle own internal problems cannot exercise strong hand. Lack constructive leadership makes India irresponsible and not suitable as great power now. India cannot presently support necessary military forces as building up India would offend Pakistan and Ceylon.

3. Our interest is make India an economically sound, friendly source of materials and manpower. US should consult regularly with India on Asian problems.

4. Japan’s main contribution to Asian security should be industrial capacity and political stability. We should keep Japan disarmed, guarantee Japs security while disarmed and increase orientation to US.

5. We should foster Asian non-Communist cooperation, call on Commonwealth for assistance in developing genuine Asian community.

Stanton

1. The remarks summarized here were delivered on February 15 by Loy W. Henderson, Ambassador to India, at the Bangkok Conference of United States, Chiefs of Mission.