Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Africa and South Asia, Volume XI, Part 2

746E.13/5–454: Telegram

The Ambassador in Ceylon (Crowe) to the Department of State

secret

Colombo, May 4, 1954—5 p.m.

352. Re Deptel 318, April 28.¹ Prime Minister told me today he wishes announce now his invitation visit US. In Embtel 336, April 26² I do not see how we can refuse him and further believe any attempt avoid issue would be sure cause both embarrassment and resentment.

He understands clearly there can be no date set for visit in foreseeable future and that invitation is not predicated on any change US attitude towards Ceylon’s rubber-rice deal with Red China or aid possibilities. He and Sir Oliver Goonetilleke still feel however that such announcement at this time would greatly strengthen the government’s position especially since it is now under heavy fire from opposition and even some nationalistic groups on issue of allowing first flight of US Globemasters to fuel at Colombo while carrying French paratroopers en route Indochina. Two more flights, sure to attract wide press comment, are due to fuel here May 7 and 8.

I should like to add further explanation that Sir John repeated what Sir Oliver and J. R. Jayewardene have previously told me that he is trying to get rid of the China rubber-rice agreement. He implied that announcement of an invitation in itself would strengthen his hand in this endeavor. He seemed to feel that the psychological effect would be most helpful.…

Both Sir John and Sir Oliver have repeatedly emphasized to me need for Ceylon maintain close ties not only with Great Britain and Commonwealth but with US as well. Accordingly from broad viewpoint psychological effect invitation would particularly help maintain equilibrium in Ceylon’s foreign relations. This balance was threatened at recent Prime Ministers’ conference here when Nehru sought form an Indian dominated bloc, and there is every reason believe that he will continue this effort.

Crowe

1. Telegram 318 to Colombo, Apr. 28, 1954, stated that the proposed message to the Prime Minister in telegram 311 (p. 1606) intended to respond to his desire to visit the United States without at that time making a commitment to invite him. It emphasized that since the Department currently had no plans for his visit, it was extremely important that there be no news release of his invitation until a definite date had been fixed. (746E.13/4–2654)
2. Supra.