790.5/4–2150: Telegram
The Ambassador in Australia (Jarman) to the Secretary of State
120. I am much heartened by Deptel 79 April 19, the substance of which I communicated to Spender yesterday. (I of course refrained from mentioning the clause in next to last paragraph concerning “impression received by Butterworth and Jessup of lack of indigenous interest” in pact.) Spender expressed appreciation and I hope and believe this interim message will be regarded by Australian Government as creating a favorable atmosphere in which to treat specific problems of mutual concern to the two governments.
Yesterday before receipt Deptel 79, Spender had told me that Australians would send representative (probably Burton) to Baguio [Page 83] Conference. Said during recent visit Manila he had discussed conference with Quirino, who emphasized cultural and economic cooperation and played down military aspect despite Spender’s strongly expressed interest in latter. Spender’s reversal of decision reported in Embtel 62 March 21 is clearly intended as friendly gesture toward US. He evidently doubts as much as before whether Conference will serve useful purpose. (Foregoing may perhaps have bearing on forecast re Baguio stated in next to last paragraph Deptel 79.)
Sent Department 120, repeated Manila unnumbered, pouched Wellington.
- Telegram 62 from Canberra, March 2, not printed, reported that Australia had declined the invitation of the Philippines to attend the Baguio Conference (398.00BA/3–250).↩