Editorial Note
In his memorandum of a meeting on October 5 between Dulles and Stassen, Nolting summarized the discussion of Asian economic questions as follows:
“The Secretary raised the question of the position the US Delegation would take at the Colombo Conference at Ottawa concerning a regional economic grouping and program of Asian countries. He stressed the desirability of including Japan; he agreed that the matter could be explored at Ottawa on a tentative basis without US commitment; and he emphasized that it would be unwise to raise the hopes of countries in the area in the matter of US financial [Page 926] contribution beyond what is realistic in terms of our present appropriation and likely future Congressional action. Governor Stassen agreed. He said that his general concept was that the soundings to be taken with the nations of the area should result in an initiative and a proposal by them of a character to which the US could favorably respond. He mentioned the possibility of his taking a trip to the area together with State and perhaps Treasury representatives the latter part of this year for the purpose of making such exploratory soundings. The Secretary indicated agreement to this line of thinking.” (Secretary’s Memoranda of Conversation, lot 64 D 199)
The Ottawa meeting of the Consultative Committee for Economic Development took place October 4–9.
A press release, dated October 8, of a statement made at Ottawa by Stassen follows:
“I am here to confirm the friendly and substantial interest of the United States in the Colombo Plan. I am here primarily to listen rather than to speak. The Government of the United States welcomes the suggestions of the members of the Colombo Committee on the methods and means by which we can continue to cooperate with increasing effectiveness in the splendid objectives of the Plan. It is our intention to devote a portion of savings which arise from the ending of the Indochina war to the projects within the Colombo Plan in accordance with President Eisenhower’s broad and humanitarian policies.
“The Colombo Plan, midway in its first six year phase, has resulted in a significant improvement in the standards of living of many millions of people of Asia.
“Millions of men and women and children are better fed and better clothed than they were when the first Colombo Plan session was held in 1950.
“Many additional thousands of children have entered the schoolhouse doorway to personal opportunity. Vast numbers have travelled the path of literacy to a fuller participation in life.
“Millions are enjoying better health. Millions have new hope in the future.
“It is a success.
“But much remains to be done” (890.00/10–854)