746E.5/8–951
The Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern, South Asian, and African Affairs (McGhee) to Mr. Frank C. Nash, Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense
My Dear Mr. Nash: Reference is made to telegram No. 91 and despatch No. 132 of August 9, 19511 from the American Embassy at Colombo, copies of which have been distributed to the Department of Defense.
The Government of Ceylon has indicated tentatively and informally the possibility of the United States establishing certain types of bases in Ceylon. At one time the Department of the Air Force had wished to establish a communications station in Ceylon. However, it appears the urgent need for this facility is under reconsideration by the Air Force. The United States Ambassador in Ceylon, knowing this, has not attempted to explore the subject with the final authority in Ceylon.
I would appreciate advice from the Department of Defense as to its interest in or need for the type of installation described in the above mentioned communications.
Sincerely yours,
- Despatch 132 from Colombo, August 9, not printed, supplemented telegram 91 from Colombo of the same date and dealt further with the proposed stationing of U.S. Air and Naval forces in Ceylon and with the proposed inclusion of Ceylon in a regional pact (746E.5/8–951).↩