790.5/4–1350: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Australia
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79. Urtels 92, Mar 24 and 113, Apr 13.1 You are authd inform Spender this Govt sincerely appreciates his several public statements concerning importance he attaches close and cooperative Austral-U.S. relations and particularly statements respecting these relations in Mar 9 fon policy speech. For our part we have every desire reciprocate Australia’s expressed willingness consult with US in matters common interest especially in regard Pacific for purpose obtaining greater understanding each other’s points of view, objectives and to degree possible complementary action.
Dept welcomes basic attitude expressed by Spender toward Austral relations with US and specific statements concerning such projects as FCN” treaty and conventions for avoidance double taxation both of which this Govt feels wld contribute in long run to interests of two countries. Dept also appreciative offer regarding bases on Manus and [Page 82] this proposal being carefully studied. No specific reply possible yet.2
Dept has welcomed initiative taken by Australia and other Commonwealth countries with respect econ asst South and South East Asia and hopes the meeting of the Consultative Comite at Sydney will result in constructive planning in implementation general principle stated at Colombo. For its part US willing as far as possible adapt and coordinate own projects this area with projects undertaken by Commonwealth as consequence Sydney mtg. Dept interested in full exchange views and to this end instrd Griffin discuss results his mission with Austral ConGen Eaton at Djakarta when visit Australia proved impossible. Dept appreciates offer Australia keep U.S. informed progress Consultative Comite’s work.
On question regional association South East Asia you shld reiterate in general terms attitude expressed first para Depts telegram 34 February 25 but shld not give any further indication U.S. interest in Austral attendance at Baguio Conference. With Austral and NZ decision against attendance prospects successful conference doubtful and this fact coupled with impression received by Butterworth and Jessup of lack of indigenous interest in such union suggest desirability lack of emphasis this matter. It goes without saying interest U.S. and Australia in resisting Sov imperialism are identical.
Finally suggest you inform Spender our willingness and desire through discussions Austral Emb Washington and through you in Canberra keep Australia informed our thinking on various problems of common interest.