890.00/11–2250: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in London
2698. Pls convey to UKGovt fol position relative to questions advanced by Gaitskell concerning US participation in Colombo Plan.1
USGovt is fully aware development aspirations of countries this area. It understands need for such development and has independently devoted much study to nature of problem, its necessary dimensions, and role which US might play in contributing to a solution. Participation of USGovt in arrangements for continuing consultation on development problems in South and SEA wld be natural consequence of US interest and work in this area. It must be emphasized, however, that such participation wld not imply approval or endorsement of particular development programs which have been submitted to the comite or a commitment by this Govt to provide financial aid for such programs.
USGovt believes that emphasis shld be on continuing consultation and not on formal organization as such. Believe it wld be undesirable contemplate substantial full-time secretariat. Periodic meetings of [Page 161] participating govts shld be the means by which reviews of progress and other exchanges of info wld be accomplished rather than thru services of a permanent central staff.
Foregoing wld be consistent with understanding of USGovt that functions Consultative Comite will continue to be exploratory, advisory, and consultative and that comite will remain informal as at present. It is the view of this Govt that any material or technical contribution which US might make (other than that provided thru UN agencies) wld be directed bilaterally toward recipient countries. Believe also that avoidance of duplication in various bilateral and UN programs in any country will have to be worked out primarily among those concerned in that country rather than from a central org.
Further believe any reports which might emerge from consultative comite must carefully avoid any implication of certification of relative needs of participating countries and any implication of endorsement of claims for external assistance.
Question of inviting participation of other Asian govts is, of course, for consultative comite to determine. USGovt believes, however, that it wld be desirable that non-Commonwealth countries in the region be participants in consultative comite if US is also to be invited, in order to avoid possible misapprehensions in area of an exclusive Commonwealth–US club.
On assumption foregoing views consistent with those of and acceptable to other members of Consultative Comite, USGovt is willing, with agreement of all member countries, participate with other govts in future meetings of consultative comite.
In period immed ahead, USGovt intends continue study programs of Commonwealth countries. In this regard it may informally seek additional detailed info from technical representatives of the particular countries which have formulated development programs. This Govt believes that other govts which may be in a position to contribute to programs shld formulate specifically as possible the nature and level of their possible assistance.
When the Colombo Plan Report is publicly released this Govt will be prepared to express publicly its views along lines summarized above.
Apart from above suggestions US at this time has no further opinion concerning procedures to be fol.
Re Philippines: As indicated above USGovt believes question of inviting Phil participation in program, or participation of any other Asian Govt is for consultative comite to determine. Discussions between US and Phil on econ problems of latter Govt now taking place. USGovt doubts that there wld be an inconsistency between these developments and Phil participation in Colombo Plan.
- Hugh Gaitskell, British Minister of Economic Affairs, visited Washington from October 8 to October 12. In telegram 1930, October 13, not printed, the Department of State informed the Embassy in London that, during a meeting with Under Secretary Webb and other Department officials on October 10, Gaitskell had put forth certain questions regarding the United States attitude toward the Colombo Plan. He had asked whether the United States would “come in”; if so, what type of organization it desired; whether the Philippines should participate; and what procedure should be followed henceforth. (890.00/10–1350)↩