Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Far East and Australasia, Volume VII, Part 2

890.20/7–2549: Telegram

The Chargé in Australia (Foster) to the Secretary of State

Canberra, July 25, 1949—4 p. m.

156. I asked External Affairs informally today what Australian Government thought of Chiang-Quirino proposal for Pacific Union and whether Australia has been approached.

External Affairs volunteered substantially same analysis situation as Department’s first two sent[ences] first paragraph Depcirtel July 20, 2[1] a. m. Added Chiang-Quirino proposal could not stand comparison with plans made at New Delhi Conference.

External Affairs said in conference only approach had been from Romulo to AustDel¹ at New York and was informal trial balloon. External Affairs instructed negative reply designed stave off further approaches.

I communicated orally and in conference views outlined latter half third paragraph Depcirtel.

So far there has been little public or press interest here in Chiang-Quirino proposal.

Sent Department 156, repeated Manila, New Delhi.

Foster

1. Australian Delegate to the United Nations.