242. Telegram From the Embassy in the United Kingdom to the Department of State1
106. Commonwealth Prime Ministers Conference ended noon today.2 Preliminary reports suggest that as usual conference helpful as informal exchange of views but that concrete achievements generally have been unspectacular. More information may be available however after Prime Ministers have chance to consult their colleagues.
Communiqué which was not agreed until last minute before release this afternoon seems unnaturally platitudinous.3 Even CRO official commented on its “interminable turgidities” in emphasizing five points: (1) Ministers welcomed Soviet decisions re troop reductions, increased contacts and desire for improved relations with other governments. “They believe, however, that the removal of the causes of tension and the creation of mutual confidence and goodwill are essential if peace is to rest on secure foundation.” This sentence meant to express Commonwealth wariness on significance of moves. (2) Ministers welcomed “unceasing efforts of the United Kingdom Government to find a solution (on Cyprus) acceptable to all concerned.” Nehru proposed use of “unceasing.” (3) “They looked forward to a continuing relaxation of tension in the Formosa area, and expressed the hope that unremitting efforts would be made to this end.” (4) Re new UN members “they expressed the hope that its membership could be broadened still further so that it might command a wider allegiance throughout the world.” United Kingdom Government spokesman is denying this refers to Red China but this sentence obviously [Page 663] written with China and Japan in mind. (5) Ministers took note of Ceylon’s desire to “introduce in due course a Republican constitution” while remaining in Commonwealth.
CRO informed Embassy all Ministers agreed significant shift in Soviet policy but disagreed as to its dimensions and sincerity. Even Nehru concurred changes should be evaluated cautiously. Little discussion on impact changes would have on Commonwealth political, economic, and military policies. All also agreed Red China at some time and in some way should join UN. In full recognition of United States difficulties in this regard none wished to raise problem in acute form before American elections nor had raised “cut and dried” means for doing so. Nehru attacked Baghdad Pact but not abusively on familiar grounds problems on periphery of U.S.S.R. could not be solved without taking Soviets into account. He welcomed extension of Pact’s economic activities but regretted these achieved under military alliance.
In separate release on Ceylon bases HMG has “expressed willingness to agree to suitable arrangements” for Ceylon taking over Trincomalee and RAF station at Katunayake (Negombo).4 British will have “certain facilities enjoyed at present in Ceylon for communications, movements, and storage” and will satisfy Ceylon request for aid in “expansion, development, and training of the Ceylon armed forces.”CRO which is highly pleased with results expects no operational changes for some time and believes negotiations may take two or more years. [3 lines of source text not declassified]
Embassy will forward further information as it is developed and evaluated.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 741.13/7–656. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to Wellington, Canberra, New Delhi, Pretoria, Karachi, Colombo, Ottawa, and Salisbury.↩
- The conference was held June 27–July 6.↩
- For text, see The Times, London, July 7, 1956, p. 5↩
- For text, see ibid., p. 6.↩