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

790.5/1–3151: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the United States Political Adviser to SCAP ( Sebald )¹

secret

Washington , January 31, 1951—7 p. m.

1199. For Dulles from Rusk. In view Allen story Pacific Pact² and lengthy article by Sep Javits³ Jan 30 NT Herald Tribune describing resolution on Pacific Pact introduced House last week, Pact may become subject more extensive public discussion. Dept is contemplating following actions:

1. Secretary, if queried by Press, will say we have always been open-minded to suggestions for cooperative arrangements among Pacific nations, that several nations have from time to time made statements and proposals with regard to such arrangements and the question might naturally arise during preparatory discussions on Jap peace settlement, particularly during your contemplated visit Pacific area.⁴

2. Pres next week will discuss with New Zealand PriMin in very general terms Pacific arrangement we have in mind.⁵ He will confine himself to general outline you presented to Brit Amb⁶ and will say you will discuss matter further when you visit New Zealand. In few days I will speak to Indo Amb⁷ re Pacific Pact proposal in general terms you discussed with Brit Amb. Indo Amb will be informed you have no plan visit Indonesia, that what further steps should be taken this matter will be subject consultations between our Govts, that of course indication of general attitude Indo Govt would be welcomed, and that we will keep latter fully informed. Cochran’s views this course have been invited.⁸

3. Dept now giving careful thought further procedure to be followed in progressing toward Pacific security arrangement. Public information problems in connection with Pact demand most careful consideration.⁹

Your comments and suggestions re above are invited. [Rusk.]

Acheson

1. William J. Sebald also held the personal rank of Ambassador.
2. In telegram 1441 from Tokyo, January 26, marked “For Rusk from Dulles”, the latter had stated that Robert Allen’s syndicated column had given a “substantially accurate account of plans re Pacific Pact as outlined to Congressional Committees. Story gives list of prospective members, including Indonesia. Suggest you may wish to inform Indonesian Ambassador of our contemplated trip south and give him general idea of our thinking”. (790.5/1–2651) For record of Mr. Dulles’ discussion of regional defense ideas before the House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations Committee, see Mr. Allison’s memorandum of January 11–12, p. 790.
3. Jacob Javits of New York.
4. Telegram 1230 to Tokyo, February 7, included the verbatim record of discussion of a “Pacific Pact” at the Secretary’s press conference held that day. The Secretary followed very closely the guidelines set forth above. The final exchange was as follows:

   “Q. The US has not itself put forward a proposal?

   “A. No.” (790.5/2–751)

5. No record of conversations held between the President and Prime Minister Sidney G. Holland, who visited Washington February 5–10, has been found in Department of State files. For documentation of a discussion of Pacific alliance possibilities held between Mr. Holland and Mr. Rusk, see a memorandum of conversation by Mr. Burton C. Kitain of BNA and telegram Topad 1239 to Tokyo, both of February 8, pp. 147 and 151, respectively.
6. Apparent reference to Mr. Dulles’ conversation held with Sir Oliver Franks January 12. For the memorandum, see p. 139.
7. Dr. Ali Sastroamidjojo.
8. In telegram 790 to Djakarta, January 31, the Department asked for Ambassador H. Merle Cochran’s views after stating in part: “Dept recognizes it highly doubtful Indo Govt would become party to Pacific arrangement. Nevertheless we wish Indos understand they are being consulted at same time as other Govts in Pacific area. We feel there is logical affinity of interests among nations who would participate, that arrangement would not only contribute to general security of area but would help bring Japan into Pacific community as peaceful member and would offer convenient means for closer consultation on problems mutual concern.

   “Dept at this time desires maintain attitude that consideration any Pacific Pact is on completely tentative basis and U.S. is not aggressively seeking press other nations participate such an agreement but that present U.S. position has evolved in response often expressed desires nations in area. Therefore in discussing this matter with Indo officials you may wish reflect this attitude and avoid creating impression in mind Indo Govt that U.S. trying hard win Indo adherence Pacific Pact now.” (790.5/1–3151)

9. The program of action here described was proposed in a memorandum of January 31 from Mr. Emmerson to Mr. Rusk, not printed. (790.5/1–3151)