396.1 MA/9–1554: Telegram
The Ambassador in Ceylon (Crowe) to the Department of State
98. Although likelihood Ceylon adhering Manila pact remote subject still under consideration by GOC and Prime Minister in several recent statements has steadfastly maintained GOC keeping open mind on matter. Press here still emphatically opposed Ceylon joining pact reflecting indirectly Leftist cajoling and also unquestionably strong Indian neutralist pressure. Moreover in view of such external possibilities as India’s working out some form of non-aggression agreement with Communist China during visit of Nehru to Peking next month, Burma’s leanings towards similar arrangement, Indonesia’s efforts assemble Afro-Asian conference including Communist China, Ceylon may be irresistibly pulled further away from South Asian defense concept. Accordingly if Ceylon adherence Manila pact to be hoped for may be necessary formulate more positive approach this end.
[Page 1622]Unquestionably most attractive element Manila pact for Ceylon is economic benefit to be derived therefrom. Therefore immediate question arises whether our government would consider that Ceylon’s joining pact would supersede Battle Act prohibition against aid this country as result of Ceylon-Communist China rubber rice deal. If so could well be determining factor Ceylon’s decision to join pact in near future and in turn forestall possibility Ceylon’s becoming alienated by foregoing mentioned developments engineered by India and Indonesia.
Request earliest possible instructions.1
- In telegram 100 from Colombo, Sept. 16, 1954, Ambassador Crowe made the additional comment: “If Ceylon’s participation in Manila Pact is really important to us, I think now is time for a reappraisal of our policy toward the Island. Obviously, Ceylon will not join pact if she is ineligible for economic aid due to Battle Act. Clarification on this point soonest would be appreciated.” (396.1 MA/9–1654)↩