Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, Asia and the Pacific, Volume VI, Part 1

790.5/11–2851: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Gifford) to the Secretary of State

top secret

London, November 28, 1951—6 p. m.

2539. Embtel 2167, Nov 2, rptd Paris 923.¹ Conversation with head SEA Dept FonOff reveals foll:

1. Basic reason for Eden’s² failing discuss with Secretary, in Paris extension Pacific defense arrangements to include SEA mainland was overcrowded schedule.³

2. Concerned govt agencies here are now reconsidering problem of def of SEA. It is realized what is needed before problem can be given full high-level political consideration is most competent military advice obtainable. Problem has endless ramifications. For example, is Thailand defensible, and what wld be Indian reaction? Current thinking is that before even mentioning to French, US and UK shld get together for exchange of views. But any talk of negotiating formal def arrangement, such as extension of Pacific Pact, wld be premature at this time.

Gifford

1. Not printed.
2. Anthony Eden, British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister since October 26.
3. The Foreign Ministers of the United States, the United Kingdom, and France held discussions on the future status of Germany at Paris on November 21 and 22. Documentation on this conference is scheduled for publication in volume iii.