Conference files, lot 60 D 627, CF 419: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Department of State1
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Secto 23. In Tripartite yesterday at Mendes-France initiative, there was brief discussion re Bangkok meeting of Manila Powers. French had received telegram from Washington indicating Pakistan considered December 28th date for announcement re Bangkok inappropriate since Colombo powers opened a meeting on December 28th. Three ministers agreed Pakistan had raised valid consideration and that date of announcement should be referred back to Washington WG, which should pay particular attention to Pakistan views. Mendes-France said that while he preferred December 28th date, he would accept either 26th, 27th or later date.
[Page 1053]Mendes-France inquired re agenda for Bangkok meeting and MacArthur said WG envisaged following subjects although question of their order not yet decided:
(1) organization and procedures of the Council; (2) arrangements for military planning; (3) implementation Art II Manila Pact re subversion; (4) economic matters; (5) general exchange of views on matters affecting security of the area.
Re arrangements for military planning, Mendes-France suggested that this should be agreed by NATO Standing Group before it was discussed with other Manila signatories. Eden stated arrangements for UK defense of Malaya are dependent on cooperation with Australia and New Zealand, and he did not think it would be possible to use Standing Group for purpose suggested by Mendes-France. MacArthur explained that paper prepared for Bangkok meeting did not involve substantive question re military planning which must be left to the military. The paper would have recommendations on the arrangements for how military planning should be conducted and not, the planning itself, which the military would have to do. Furthermore, he said that within the framework of ANZUS, Australian and New Zealanders bitterly resent using Standing Group for such purpose and our Asian partners would feel just as strongly, since their interest in defense of area was very great in view their geographic position. Also enlarged on their sensitivity re “being ganged up on” by Western Powers. Adm. Radford confirmed this view. The Secretary said that Mendes-France had raised a valid point for consideration in that there might be matters re military planning which were not appropriate for discussion in 8–power Manila Group, but these could be handled separately.
There was general agreement that Washington WG was performing useful service and as much of groundwork as possible should be done in WG in advance of Bangkok meeting.
- Originated from the U.S. Mission to NATO and European Regional Organizations.↩