790.5/7–2854: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom1
secret
Washington, July 28, 1954—8:14
p.m.
591. Today we informed diplomatic reps Australia France New Zealand Philippines Thailand U.K. our views on possible procedure and timing re organizing SEA collective defense on following lines:2
- 1.
- Consultations with interested governments. By August 7 preliminary consultations should be completed with those governments which might possibly wish participate in organizing SEA collective defense.
- 2.
- Announcement re collective defense
arrangement. On or about August 7 (following consultations
para 1) governments which have signified intention participate
should make simultaneous identic announcements in respective
capitals stating intention establish collective defense arrangement
and agreement hold meeting for this purpose at a date and place to
be specified in this announcement.
- a.
- Date. U.S. believes meeting should be held not later than Sept. 6.
- b.
- Place. U.S. believes Baguio would be appropriate place. We would be willing meet Honolulu if others wish or consider other possible sites. We believe Washington or Singapore not appropriate.
- c.
- Level of representation. U.S. believes meeting should be at Foreign Minister level.
- d.
- Duration. We anticipate meeting would last about three or four days.
- 3.
- Preparations. About two or three days after announcement para 2 above informal working group of Reps participating governments should meet in Washington to begin drafting treaty text. It is hoped this group could largely complete drafting text prior September meeting, leaving only few principal questions for discussion and decision Foreign Ministers.
Dulles