446E.9331/10–2952: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Gifford) to the Department of State1
2501. Ceylon–China rubber-rice agmt discussed yesterday with econdivn Commonwealth Relations Office. (Deptel 2915 Oct 24.)2 Brit are unwilling to make any official representations to Ceylon about the proposed agmt and are leaving matter to discretion of UK High Commissioner in Colombo. Statement was made that “we have not concealed from Ceylon Govt that we do not like it,” but no advice on ratification has been offered. CRO did not know about “clarifications” which have been requested from China.
[Page 1557]Without stating it bluntly, Commonwealth rels spokesmen took line that arrangement with Communist Chi was direct result US failure to make satis deal with Ceylon during Goonetilleke’s visit. Plea made that UK was without “desiderate” in sitn, having no rice to provide and being unable to offer market for Ceylon rubber. Therefore, if Ceylon refused pact at UK request, UK wld incur moral responsibility which cld not be discharged.
Despite report that UK High Commissioner’s office was proposing to London that Ceylon be asked defer decision until after Commonwealth mtg next month (Colombo tel to Dept 196 Oct 24),3 no such proposal is under consideration. In fact, there was strong adverse reaction to this suggestion on ground Ceylon PriMin might refuse attend mtg if he thought that he wld be put on the carpet about this trade agmt while here. Also on assumption Ceylon wld conclude agmt despite discussion at London conf, it appears doubtful that this procedure wld be a wise one. Unless public statement made to contrary, which wld show open disunity in Commonwealth, impression wld be given that Commonwealth conf had approved the agreement.
Despite negative and defensive attitude displayed by Brit, it was stated UK was aware dangers of agmt, which were termed “polit overtones”. After discussions with econ div, EmbOff talked with Polit Under Secy at Commonwealth Relations Office, who was more responsive to our arguments and promised to “look into matter” again. However, we do not believe it likely that UK will be willing to intervene. In addition other points, they are aware their own vulnerability due Malayan rubber shipment to bloc and Brit trade with China in nonstrategic goods.
- This telegram was repeated to Colombo for information as telegram 15.↩
- The Department’s telegram 2915 to London, not printed, suggested that the Embassy in London urge British officials to discuss the dangers of the five-year agreement with the Government of Ceylon (446E.9331/10–2052).↩
- Telegram 196 from Colombo, not printed (446E.9331/10–2452).↩