790D.5 MSP/8–1754: Telegram
The Ambassador in Pakistan (Hildreth) to the Department of State
182. Reference Embtel 183.1 Acting Foreign Secretary expressed to Counselor with considerable emphasis some dissatisfaction, disappointment military aid program already reported originating Ayub and which Prime Minister, Finance Minister and others have repeated in recent weeks. Hilaly emphasized foreign policy aspects pointing out implied increased Pakistan commitments through attitude SEATO and energetic activities Governor General and Prime Minister in trying persuade Arabs, ME countries, and Ceylon come along with West. Argument went that if military aid program became known as “mere token”, effect on other countries would contradict Pakistan efforts and disillusionment within Pakistan would threaten present government which had staked future on this bold decisive step. Hilaly was given presentation of factors which United States must consider and urged be patient while program being developed. Embassy feels much to be said for GOP viewpoint they always overstate their virtues.
Secretary stated Foreign Minister would attend Baguio meeting, also working group session beginning September 2. Hilaly stated GOP handicapped due ignorance previous staff talks and working group discussions SEATO,2 thus felt completely unprepared for conference. He stated GOP would find difficult make decisions on basis few days meeting asked whether Embassy could not give some advice to Foreign Minister before latter’s departure.
Realizing great advantage both Ceylon and Pakistan attending conference (Deptel 135)3 Embassy assumes Pakistan attendance and affiliation SEATO still desirable United States point of view even if Ceylon absent. Pakistanis are convinced United States wants them to go in.
Embassy would appreciate guidance in belief it highly important give GOP benefit United States thinking on role they should play. [Page 1865] Although we have deferred to UK in past on this subject believe GOP will expect and should be given further guidance before Zafrulla leaves for Baguio.
- Aug. 17; not printed. It reported that the Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and other Pakistan officials were disturbed about the matter of military aid. (790D.5 MSP/8–1754)↩
- Representatives of Australia, France, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States met in Manila in September and signed the Southeast Asia Collective Defense Treaty. For documentation on this topic, see volume xii. The text of the Secretary of State’s statements at the Conference is in the Department of State Bulletin, Sept. 20, 1954, p. 391. On Sept. 15, after he returned home, the Secretary delivered a nationwide address over radio and television. The text of that address is ibid., Sept. 27, 1954, pp. 431–433.↩
- Not printed.↩