396.1 MA/12–1654
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Officer in Charge of Philippine Affairs (Bell)
Subject:
- U.S. Working Paper on Implementation of Article II Manila Treaty Regarding Subversion
Participants:
- Mr. Sebald, FE
- Mr. Young, PSA
- Mr. Bell, PSA
- Mr. F.J. Blakeney, Australian Embassy
- Mr. G.R. Laking, New Zealand Embassy
Mr. Blakeney and Mr. Laking called on Mr. Sebald at his request this morning at 10:30. Mr. Sebald stated we had asked them to come in to hand them a paper1 that we proposed to introduce into the working group of the Manila Pact powers dealing with possible implementation of Article II of the Treaty concerning subversion. Mr. Sebald stated we had discussed this paper with the British yesterday and that they were in general agreement with the concepts expressed therein.
Mr. Sebald further stated we were fully aware of the desirability of maintaining certain existing bi-lateral arrangements that should not be disturbed. He also stated that when this paper is tabled in the working group we will stress the necessity for keeping its contents closely held. In answer to a question Mr. Sebald said that we had not yet decided when the paper will be introduced into the eight-power working group, but that it probably would not be before January. Mr. Blakeney felt that the later the paper was introduced the better.
After reading the paper Mr. Laking and Mr. Blakeney stated they were in general agreement especially with the last sentence of the first paragraph which states that resistance to subversion is primarily the responsibility of each national government. Mr. Blakeney asked how we visualized the discussion among the members referred to at the top of page 2.2 Mr. Sebald said that our thinking along this line had not progressed very far but what we might be able to carry out this suggestion through the liaison representatives which we believe will be established at some location in the area or by other experts who might be assigned as advisers to the liaison officers. Mr. Sebald said that we felt one of the most important contributions that could be made during any such discussions would be to teach the necessity of good security organization, to [Page 1048] demonstrate the scope of the problem and to instill the will to meet it.
With respect to the paper as a whole, Mr. Sebald stated that when cleared by the working group, he thought the paper should be referred to the Ministers with an appropriate recommendation that they accept it as a basis for action.
Mr. Blakeney stated that he found nothing in the paper which referred to the security of information. Mr. Sebald stated that we visualized that as being within the province of the military and that it would be included in our recommendations with respect to the military advisers. He cited NATO experience of the military in this field.
Mr. Blakeney said that he was very happy to see that we had produced such a paper and that he would forward it to his government. Mr. Laking said that he would also forward the paper to his government for comment.