890.20/7–1549: Telegram
The Chargé in the Philippines (Lockett) to the Secretary of State
1747. Today Netherlands Minister Steenstra-Toussaint called and imparted contents telegram he received from Hague response his telegrams reporting Quirino-Chiang talks and suggesting he be ordered Batavia brief Netherlands authorities there on plans for Pacific Union.
He states his Foreign Office instructed him not commit himself for time being particularly with reference question what states might appropriately be included. Foreign Office view was that there is much merit in idea of association in Pacific oppose Communism but fact initiative came from China which fighting for very existence does not augur well for its success. It added Netherlands Information Office would be releasing statement to effect that information so far available insufficient permit Netherlands Government judge what its position should be.
With respect this suggestion he proceed Batavia for purpose suggested above, Foreign Office stated that certain matters developing there would have [to] be cleared up before his trip could be authorized.
Repeated Canton 35, Batavia 24, The Hague 1.