Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, East Asian Security; Cambodia; Laos, Volume XXI

152. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Thailand¹

Washington, April 2, 1957—7:28 p.m.

3337. SEATO. Embassy will recall that as evidence of its strong and continuing interest in SEATO, Government of Republic of Vietnam sent representative to Canberra during recent Council meeting.

While generally recognized that Republic of Vietnam is prevented by Geneva Agreements from joining SEATO as full member at present time, it would be useful encourage Vietnamese participation in non-military SEATO activities.

As any participation by Vietnam in SEATO work would require assent of other members, Embassy is requested discuss matter informally on individual basis with other Council Representatives. In particular, comment would be appreciated on degree of participation members would consider desirable and practical—whether observer status, full membership in civil committees, or some other basis. As there reason believe Australia especially would support Vietnamese non-military participation in organization, it is suggested informal consultation begin with Council Representative for Australia.² Department will wish consider results these conversations before any discussions held with Vietnamese and before any formal action taken by SEATO. Department will also wish keep Canadian Embassy informed because of Canadian ICC role.³

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 790.5/4–257. Secret. Repeated to Saigon, Singapore, Canberra, Karachi, London, Manila, Paris, Wellington, and Ottawa.
2. In telegram 2999 from Bangkok, dated April 4, Chargé George F. Wilson reported a conversation with Australian Ambassador Hay, who also served as SEATO Council Representative. Wilson summarized the talk as follows: “While conversation unofficial obvious Australia interested in RVN participation SEATO to as great extent as possible under present circumstances.” (Ibid., 790.5/4–457)
3. Several telegrams from Bangkok for April 1957, ibid., Central File 790.5, indicate that in general the responses of the Council Representatives to informal discussions with U.S. representatives in Bangkok concerning the participation of the Republic of Vietnam in certain SEATO activities were extremely tentative. In telegram 3567 to Bangkok, dated April 23, repeated to the other SEATO capitals, Ottawa, and CINCPAC (Honolulu), the Department observed in part: “Since reported reaction other Council Representatives represented purely personal views Department believes next step is await government reactions evoked by your Bangkok consultations rather than formal PWG study at this stage.” (Ibid., 790.5/4–1957)