790.5/12–1754: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Department of State1
Secto 12. MacArthur discussed Bangkok meeting of Manila Pact powers with Denis Allen today along lines set forth in Galloway briefing memo of December 11.2 Allen indicated U.K. thinking corresponded [Page 1052] very closely to U.S. thinking. He commented favorably on the three U.S. papers (organization of Council, Article 2—Subversion,3 and military planning).4 Re military planning, MacArthur told him frankly U.S. was not disposed to agree in Manila W.G. to establishment of a small military secretariat. In U.S. view the precise organizational arrangements for military planning should be left to the military advisers. Allen said he had discussed this with British Chiefs before coming to Paris and he understood they were disposed to go along with U.S. paper on military planning, including this point re secretariat. Re Singapore as focal point for Manila Pact, he indicated that while U.K. had definite preference for it, they would not insist if there was strong opposition. In conclusion, Allen expressed appreciation for U.S. initiative in tabling “such excellent papers” in W.G. and added that U.S. had obviously given more time and thought to Manila Pact than others, including U.K. He also fully concurred that no specific reference should be made of Indo-China in any agenda item on matters affecting security of area although obviously it would be discussed in such context.