156. Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Robertson to the Secretary of State1
SUBJECT
- Briefing for May 23 NSC Meeting on Development of a Defense Production Base in Australia and New Zealand (NSC 5713, May 14, 19572)
Discussion:
The attached draft NSC Planning Board recommendations on Development of a Defense Production Base in Australia and New Zealand reflect the Department’s disagreement with the majority proposals in paragraphs two and three.
Our representatives at the Planning Board felt that this study, initiated at your suggestion, should not have the result of firmly closing the door on the possibility of extending some sort of assistance to Australia for the establishment of a logistic or limited defence production base for U.S. or free Asian needs. (Paragraph 2.) We felt the same about offshore procurement possibilities. (Paragraph 3.) Although we are prepared to recognize that it may not be feasible to do anything at this time, we believed that your objectives in initiating this study would not be compatible with the majority proposals that seek to close out entirely any possibility of mutual security assistance for Australia (or New Zealand).
Recommendation:
We recommend that you continue support of the State proposals in paragraphs 2 and 3 of the attached paper.