446E. 119/9–2751: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Ceylon 1
121. Amb Corea renewed request for help re sulphur. He recognized special relationship to rubber but asked we not deny help this specific case on basis Ceylon’s status shld be determined under Kem Amendment prior refusal assist individual cases. He clearly concerned lest present irritation might lead to deteriorating relations over period time.
Whole problem reviewed in detail. In particular PM’s comments to effect that perhaps just as well US cld not provide sulphur and US must face possibility this may drive Ceylon into other camp reported to Corea (Embtel 171 Sept 17). Corea said possibility this attitude being taken by GOC is what he feared and anxious avert. It was suggested PM’s comment was subj possible interpretation as threat to align Ceylon with Commie bloc and that this approach to problem if true was not likely get sympathetic hearing US.
Special emphasis was given US effort in Korea and grave polit problem posed for US if we assisted in obtaining a very short and strategically important commodity (i.e., sulphur) for country which was in effect helping our enemy. On balance it seemed to Dept this polit problem outweighed Ceylon’s polit difficulty although it recognized latter did exist. Mention also made of fact Indonesia closely watching our position and failure to maintain strong line wld probably lead to complete breakdown rubber embargo other countries.
Corea told further thought wld be given his request but it most unlikely anything cld be done help obtain sulphur under current situation.
FYI Dept does not intend change position.
- Repeated by air for the information of London and Djakarta.↩