Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, East Asia and the Pacific, Volume VI

398.00BA/4–2550: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Philippines

confidential

Washington, April 28, 1950–1 p. m.

748. Ur 1179. Apr 25.¹ Dept position on proposed SEAU conference Baguio May 26 remains as previously communicated you, namely, US approves any such spontaneous and indigenous project in principle but must necessary reserve judgment on implementation this principle until it has been able determine how it conforms to genl objectives. At this particular stage development Dept unable determine whether proposed SEAU conference contains substance or prospect producing more than exchange of pleasantries. For this reason U.S. not prepared as yet designate an observer.

For your info Dept questions advisability designating Amer observer on basis Phil invitation and inclines to view any such participation shld be on basis of invitation by conference as a whole. Ur reactions this suggestion wld be appreciated.²

Acheson

1. Not printed.
2. In telegram 1301 from Manila, May 5, Ambassador Cowen agreed that the United States should not send an observer unless the conference as a whole extended an invitation (398.00BA/5–550). In telegram 1542 from Manila, May 26, Cowen reported that the delegates of the Baguio Conference had decided not to invite other countries to send observers (398.00BA/5–2650).