790.5/7–2154: Telegram
The Ambassador in Ceylon (Crowe) to the Department of State
27. Reference: Depcirtel 39, July 16.1 It is very doubtful Ceylon Government would immediately join collective security pact for SEA and southwest Pacific. Although present government Ceylon not unsympathetic such arrangement, temper of press, parliament and people generally would probably not permit government make such move. Government’s hands also would be tied by its association with Colombo powers and majority opinion other powers would have strong bearing decision GOC. Almost certain any event GOC would not act without prior consultation other Colombo powers.
Possibility GOC joining later date somewhat more favorable but by no means certain. Much depends result consultations with other Colombo powers and strong diplomatic persuasion, coupled with heavy informational press campaign.
GOC probably would adopt neutral rather than favorable attitude towards pact initially. Must be borne in mind that press and leftist elements likely continue campaign against pact and even general attitude of country could be opposed to it on grounds intrusion west and United States in the “peace area” southeast Asia. Results this popular feeling could well force government refuse, for example, any use Ceylon territory transit defense troops and material by air although not necessarily by sea as in past.
- Department circular telegram 39 to Karachi, Colombo, Rangoon, Djakarta, and New Delhi, not printed, stated the U.S. view that, contrary to the British position, the United States was not prepared to accept a delay in concluding the SEATO pact in order to induce presently uncommitted nations to join now. The telegram nevertheless requested that each addressee estimate the possibility of its host government joining SEATO in the future and its likely attitude toward the pact. (790.5/7–1654)↩