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

740.5/11–2151: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of State, in Rome¹

top secret
priority niact

Washington, November 21, 1951—7:07 p. m.

Tosec 55. Brit Emb presented Oct 30 aide-mémoire² recommending mtg US, UK, Fr Chiefs of Staff during NATO mil mtg Rome to consider recommendations Singapore Conf and formulate policy and recommendations to respective govts. Aide-mémoire observes operational aspects Singapore Conf recommendations require outside reinforcements in event Chi Commie aggression SEA and thus suggests desirability relating defence SEA to global defense. Aide-mémoire also recommends inclusion Australia, NZ and Canada in conf. Fr Emb Wash advised Dept Fr Govt had received identical aide-mémoire and wished to associate themselves with the Brit in recommendations. Defense replied on 19 Nov to Dept’s request of 1 Nov² transmitting Brit aide-mémoire as fols:

“Present US policy toward IC is to support the anti-Commie forces in that area by all means short of the commitment of US troops. In view of this policy, no advantage, from the mil point of view, cld accrue from US participation at this time in multi-lateral staff talks concerning the provision of reenforcements for the defense of SEA, and the relation of that defense to global strategy. Joint Chiefs of Staff have therefore advised me that they decline the invitation of the Brit Govt.”

Late p. m. Nov 19 Brit Emb Wash, upon being advised sense of Defense reply, stated it was under instr Brit Govt to propose to Dept that “there shall be at least an informal discussion at Rome of an agenda for a future tripartite Chiefs of Staff meeting on the defense of SEA at the earliest convenient opportunity, possibly in conjunction with the next mil comite meeting.” Fr Emb Wash made identical proposal morning Nov 20.

Brit aide-mémoire as well as Fr and Brit proposals of Nov 19 discussed by Dept officers with JCS Nov 21. Dept reps observed that questions raised by proposals embodied Brit aide-mémoire Oct 30 fall into two categories: (a) those relating local strategic and tactical matters e.g., resources necessary to hold area against Commie aggression, source such resources, second line of defense in event IC falls (southern IC plus Siam or Kra Isthmus or Indo); (b) broader questions which Brit and Fr may hope discussions wld lead to e.g., unified command in SEA, relation defense SEA to possible global combined chiefs of staff system. Dept expressed view useful information might be adduced by participating in discussion of questions of character identified in first category.

Dept predicates its affirmative position foregoing on (a) political, economic and strategic importance of area, particularly IC as keystone defense and Indo source of oil to replace short-fall from Persian Gulf; rubber and tin if SEA mainland gone; (b) opportunity provided examine Brit responsibility Burma where conditions rapidly deteriorating. Dept keenly aware however concomitant dangers of discussions leading to an increase in our burden in SEA.

During mtg tel from Gen Bradley³ was read in which Bradley said he had been questioned by Fr and Brit opposites Rome his willingness to discuss recommendations reached at Singapore in May. Bradley took position that matter not one for consideration by standing group and advised Defense that he, Fr and Brit colleagues agreed that decision further to discuss defense SEA shld rest with FonMins and Defense Mins US, UK, Fr upon their arrival Rome. Dept officers stated they considered reply to Fr, Brit proposals Nov 19 as impossible in light of pending discussions FonMins and Defense Mins at Rome. Joint Chiefs agree.

In view complexity problem, need for preparations for suggested conversation and other reasons Dept inclined to suggest desirability holding Tripartite Conf on polit level with mil advisers within next thirty days either in western Europe or US. If however Secy prefers to participate such discussions Rome Dept will send Lacy to brief him. Urgent reply requested.⁴

Webb

1. The Secretary of State was in Rome for the Eighth Session of the North Atlantic Council which convened on November 24. Documentation on the Rome Conference is scheduled for publication in volume iii.
2. Not printed.
2. Not printed.
3. Not found in Department of States files.
4. In telegram Secto 110, November 29, Secretary Acheson informed the Department that the question of Southeast Asia had not been discussed at the Conference and that there existed no plans to raise the issue (740.5/11–2951).