Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, East Asia-Pacific Region; Cambodia; Laos, Volume XVI

29. Telegram From the Delegation at the SEATO Council Meeting to the Department of State ¹

Wellington , April 8, 1959—11 p.m.

278. CINCPAC for POLAD. Afternoon session² SEATO Council devoted agenda item 4³ with all delegations making statements except Philippine and New Zealand who will speak tomorrow. Statements consisted general review developments since Manila meeting with major emphasis treaty area, and especial attention given protocol states and Communist economic offensive.

1. Thai Foreign Minister referring Laos said granting emergency powers to government by assembly most heartening development showing Laos Government and people becoming increasingly alert to Communist threat. Incursions from North Vietnam however posed threat not only to Laos but to Thailand also and hoped SEATO members would take cognizance this and if necessary act in accordance with provisions of treaty. Recognition of GRC by Cambodia causing concern to neighbors since Communist China can be expected take advantage its position and step up activities in area constituting serious danger to Laos, Vietnam and Thailand. Hoped SEATO would develop counter-measures. Referring presence Vietnamese in Thailand said matter had been raised with permanent representatives and hoped Council would give it consideration. In discussing economic vulnerability some SEATO members asked that Council consider whether time had not come for SEATO to do more in facing economic challenge.

2. Sandys speaking for UK discussed Tibet,⁴ Singapore, Macmillan’s visit Moscow,⁵ Communist economic offensive in area, and Russo-Chinese relations, paying tribute role played by US in Taiwan Straits crisis. Referring protocol states said Communists likely use Cambodia for penetration other countries and would be wise prepare plan in case help requested by Laos or Vietnam.

3. Pakistan Foreign Minister⁶ referring Taiwan Straits crisis said lesson learned that Communists can and do retreat in face of force and determination to use it. Although encouraged by developments within Pakistan he said country still facing external pressures from Afghanistan and India. Afghanistan he said has become virtual Soviet satellite and should no longer be considered neutral, adding he wished call special attention of US and UK to this change in Afghanistan status. He reviewed briefly Pakistan-Indian relations regretting military build-up of India with assistance not only from Pakistan’s friends but from other quarters.

4. France’s delegate⁷ in addition to discussing developments in Europe presented historical survey developments in protocol states. Referring Cambodia he defended some recent actions Sihanouk making point Sihanouk wishes preserve neutral position. This connection mentioned return Cambodian delegate from US as further indication of Cambodian interest and friendship with West. He said Cambodia is in great need of understanding and that France would continue to do what it can to assist. Replying to Thai Foreign Minister’s appeal for action in connection presence Vietnamese in Thailand he said French well informed this matter and would do everything in their power to contribute its solution.

5. US representative’s statement covered developments in Middle East, Communist China, Taiwan Straits, Berlin, Communist economic offensive, and noted favorable developments in Laos and reaction neutrals to events Tibet. Full text by airgram.⁸

6. Speaking of Laos Casey said SEATO members can only applaud the actions taken by the Lao Government but must be careful that such actions do not lead to accusations that government is turning its back on the Geneva accords. If there is any infraction of those accords he said initiative should come from other side. Referring to Cambodia Casey said there was need for SEATO members to make clear to Sihanouk defensive nature of the treaty and need for him observe strict neutrality. Casey referring Subandrio’s visit to Australia⁹ said that Australia and Indonesia agreed to disagree as to West New Guinea, and that Australia attached great significance to fact that in final communiqué Subandrio had assured Indonesia does not intend use force settlement its claim. Added it incumbent upon all to impress on Indonesia the inadvisability of using force for settlement of territorial claims. Casey referred briefly to ECAFE meeting and to economic problems of the area pointing out need for study by SEATO of these problems and of cooperation among SEATO members.

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 396.1–WE/4–859. Confidential; SEATO. Repeated to Bangkok, Karachi, Manila, London, Paris (also for USRO), Canberra, and CINCPAC. This meeting took place April 8–10. Under Secretary Dillon headed the U.S. Delegation, which also included Ambassador Johnson (in his capacity as Council Representative), Admiral Felt (in his capacity as Military Adviser), Reinhardt, Parsons, and 15 others.
2. The morning session was divided between a public opening session and a closed session devoted to procedural matters, summarized in telegrams 280 and 279 from Wellington, respectively, both dated April 8. (Ibid., 396.1–WE/4–859) Verbatim records of all sessions are ibid., Conference Files: Lot 64 D 560, CF 1248. Additional telegrams summarizing SEATO Council Sessions at the Wellington meeting are included in the microfiche supplement.
3. An exchange of views on matters affecting the treaty area.
4. On March 28, the People’s Republic of China had declared an end to the existing government in Tibet and transferred its functions to the Preparatory Committee for the Tibet Autonomous Region under the acting chairmanship of Panchen Lama. Fighting in the region had ensued.
5. Prime Minister Macmillan was in the Soviet Union February 21–March 3.
6. Manzur Qadir.
7. Louis Jacquinot, Minister of State.
8. Airgram G–32, April 14; included in the microfiche supplement.
9. Subandrio visited Australia February 10–15.