396.1 MA/9–1454: Telegram
The Ambassador in Australia (Peaslee) to the Department of State
105. Eyes only Secretary. Reference Department telegram circular 138, September 131 and Manila’s unnumbered September 8, 6 p.m.2 and 10 p.m.3
Have seen Prime Minister twice, also Spicer, Attorney General and Acting Minister External Affairs, since delivery your personal message.
Prime Minister indicated that his dissatisfaction, shared by many Cabinet members, re Manila proceedings was not directed against US delegate as much as against certain of Australian delegates who, he said, had failed from outset to understand Cabinet’s wishes, namely that Australia was to support US consistently, although Cabinet had no objection to minor efforts to help Colombo powers if that could be done without countering US desires. Instead of doing that, according to both Prime Minister and Spicer, Casey made himself chief champion of effort to eliminate word “communism”.
Prime Minister said he was annoyed at last minute time pressures but Casey did not heed original instructions, that the Prime Minister later tried to make clear by telephone, [sic] and finally “I sent him a stinker”.
Prime Minister and Spicer now really worried about Australian position and form of their ratification. They appreciate possible future embarrassments from omission of the word and would like, I think, to make similar reservation in their ratification unless you very seriously object. They may do so anyway.
Can give you further background if desired while I am in US on brief leave contemplated beginning September 26.