751 G.00/4–554
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Officer in Charge of Philippine Affairs (Bell)
Subject:
- The Secretary’s March 29th address and the Associated States of Indochina.
Participants:
- The Secretary
- Mr. Emilio Abello, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Philippine Embassy
- Mr. James D. Bell, PSA
Mr. Emilio Abello, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Philippine Embassy, called on the Secretary at 4:45 P.M., April 5, at the Secretary’s request.
The Secretary told Mr. Abello that he wished to expand on the statements he made in his March 29 address with respect to Indochina. He pointed out the increasing significance of developments in Indochina, particularly the desperate attempt of the Viet Minh to gain a military victory for political reasons. He said that in view of the present circumstances he believed it would be desirable to form a loose coalition including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, the Associated States, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and possibly Indonesia. The Secretary pointed out that such a group presenting a united front in Southeast Asia would help to deter Communist aspirations in Asia. He also stated that it would be desirable if the French would proceed more rapidly in carrying out the July 3rd policy of independence for the Associated States and that the United States would support no policy that contributed to the maintenance of colonialism in Asia. Asked if he believed it desirable to form such a coalition prior to the Geneva Conference, the Secretary answered in the affirmative. In answer to another question from Mr. Abello, the Secretary said that he did not envision a permanent Pacific Pact type of alliance but that a beginning might be made through such a device as a joint declaration of purpose.
Mr. Abello stated he would obtain his Government’s views on this proposal but pointed out that one obstacle might be that the Philippines do not recognize the Associated States.