Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, East Asia and the Pacific, Volume XII, Part 1

790.5/7–2654: Telegram

The Ambassador in Pakistan (Hildreth) to the Department of State¹

secret

Karachi, July 26, 1954—4 p.m.

88. Re Department telegram 92² (repeated Delhi 102, Colombo 24, Rangoon 57, Djakarta 112). Embassy agrees assumption reference telegram GOP willingness join collective defense SEA from outset though Embassy without any direct indication attitude GOP. However, Embassy has some doubt wisdom indicating to GOP, prior ascertaining their own thinking, tentative position United States set forth reference telegram reference desirability GOP refraining initial participation SEA security arrangement. Embassy thinks some advantage in first trying get GOP’s honest thinking, especially Prime Minister, on subject matter prior indicating United States thinking along lines reference telegram.

Reference tactics proposed reference telegram seems possible Embassy that GOP might exert more favorable influence on doubtful Colombo powers by joining SEATO earlier rather than later. Would be interested reaction Embassies Delhi, Rangoon, Colombo, Djakarta this point.

Hildreth

1. Repeated to Colombo, Djakarta, New Delhi, and Rangoon.
2. Dated July 24, supra.