Office of the Historian

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

Washington, June 20, 1957—11:13 a.m.

4050. SEATO. View Diem’s apparent lack of interest (Saigon’s 35042 repeated addressees by pouch), serious Canadian fears, strong French reluctance and British reservations we do not intend pursue at this time matter of regular Vietnamese participation in non-military aspects SEATO.

Strongly favor however invitation Vietnamese participate January SEATO cultural round table. In addition wish consider inviting Vietnam send participants countersubversion seminar Baguio after plans firmed up.

We of course prepared re-examine matter regular non-military participation if and when any factors listed paragraph one altered.

Dulles
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 790.5/5–2357. Secret. Drafted by Zimmermann and approved by Abbott. Repeated to the other SEATO capitals, Saigon, and Ottawa.↩
  2. See footnote 3, Document 154.↩