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

Lot M–88: CFM Files

Draft Position Paper Prepared in the Department of State¹

secret

[Washington,] December 20, 1951.

A Pacific Security Pact

problem

To interchange general views with the British Government on the problem of extending security arrangements in the Pacific.

u.s. objectives

1. To maintain the security of the off-shore defense line: Japan–Ryukyus–Philippines–Australia; to deny Formosa to the Chinese Communist regime; to forestall communist aggression in South and Southeast Asia.

2. To consider the desirability of security arrangements, either on a bilateral or multilateral basis, with countries of Asia other than those already aligned with the United States, namely, Japan, Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand.

probable position of the uk

While it appears that the UK would like closer cooperation with the United States in matters and problems of mutual concern in Southeast Asia, the UK probably believes it premature to consider extending the present Pacific defense arrangements.

[Here follows the outline of a potential presentation to be made by the President to the Prime Minister. It is along the lines of the “Discussion” which follows.]

discussion

The United States believes that the problem of Pacific security arrangements should be one of continuing concern between the governments of the US and the UK. It is particularly important that Japan should eventually be brought into multilateral security arrangements. The problems of agreements with Indonesia and with the mainland states of Southeast Asia deserve most careful consideration. However, particularly since the present treaties (Japanese peace treaty, US–Japan security treaty, US–Philippines security treaty, and US–Australia-New Zealand security treaty) have not been ratified, the United States believes it premature to consider the further extension of Pacific arrangements at this time. The assumption of further commitments in this area must be the subject of the most careful consideration; furthermore, much will necessarily depend upon the desires and ability to contribute to defense of the countries involved. Consequently, the United States does not envisage any further extension of Pacific security arrangements in the near future. We would however wish to keep constantly in touch with the British Government on this important matter.

1. This paper, tabbed as TOT D–5/9a, was prepared by the Steering Group on preparations for talks between the President and Prime Minister Churchill. Mr. Churchill was in the United States January 5–19, 1952; documentation regarding this visit is scheduled for publication in Foreign Relations, 1952–1954, volume vi.