7. Telegram From the Delegation at the SEATO Council Meeting to the Department of State 1
Secto 27. Paris pass USRO. Department pouch Baghdad. Third closed session2 summary:
FonMin Lloyd for UK opened by congratulating SEATO Asian members on work they had done combating international Communism. Promised UK assistance give info to Thailand on questionable Chinese transiting Hong Kong mentioned by Prince Wan in latter’s morning speech. (Privately UK states such arrangements already in effect but due to faulty liaison Thai Govt Prince Wan had not been informed).
Lloyd noted change in pattern of Communist action in SEATO area to subversive tactics particularly in efforts to normalize relations within the area. Cited example of Pathet Lao and said Commies using elections to spread Communism in country and therefore much depends on results of upcoming election. Likewise, Commie infiltration in disorganized Indonesian situation cause for anxiety to SEATO. Expressed hope peace would be reestablished with democratic government throughout country. UK is concerned over Indonesian policy on territorial waters. Noted as favorable development Burmese Prime Minister’s3 statement rejecting Marxism as incompatible with Buddhism. Expressed guarded optimism over situation in Vietnam. Was gratified at compliments made during morning session over UK handling of Malaya. Stated Malaya must be allowed to decide for itself without pressure regarding membership in SEATO. Noted that Singapore will achieve internal self-government with UK retaining responsibility for internal and external defense.
On general themes Lloyd stated his belief that independence, security, freedom and a rising standard of living are the major SEATO goals. To achieve these, SEATO must, inter alia, (1) develop a sense of need for interdependence and reduce duplicating and over-lapping efforts; (2) be fully aware of dangers inherent in economic recession and take collective action to prevent one; (3) take a more offensive line in propaganda matters, for example, disarmament, in which realm free [Page 20] world has furnished all the bold ideas which would have brought relief to current tension, yet hollow Soviet “ban the bomb” propaganda has had great impact in Asia. Economic aid is another example of successful Soviet propaganda, and despite fact that US aid is “program of greatest disinterested generosity world has ever seen”, Soviets, through propaganda, have held up as doing most.
Re summit talks, Lloyd said UK prepared to negotiate any time at any level if useful results would ensue. However there must be no unilateral weakening of strength from off-chance Soviets would follow suit. Adequate pre-summer [summit] preparations must be made. While agreement need not be reached on all issues, issues on which agreement likely must first be disentangled.
Finally, strength and flexibility of SEATO must be maintained; only that way can peaceful coexistence become a reality.
Pineau for France stated defense of free world must be fought not in military field alone but in propaganda designed to sway masses. This was reason why France stressed importance for SEATO of economic and cultural efforts. In this connection expressed gratification that SEATO has agreed to exchange of information between pacts. In stating that defense in terms of modern weapons is still a political matter, Pineau noted two current Soviet objectives: (1) campaign against IRBM installations, (2) de-nuclearization of certain areas. With regard to (1), Pineau noted that countries under Soviet pressure not to accept IRBM’s have long been host to other weapons capable of destroying Soviets without inciting latter’s reaction. Re (2) he could see no military advantage in denuclearized zones but emphasized these proposals can’t be underrated, particularly propaganda-wise.
Pineau proceeded with review of main areas of Soviet threat and stated Middle East represents the greatest. Impossible to reverse Soviet gains there and concentration must be on containing them. Felt that threat to North Africa is logical result from Middle East pressure. Continued that if North Africa falls to form of nationalism subservient to Communism then defense of Western Europe becomes gravely difficult and some form of neutralism would doubtless appear there.
Regarding SEATO region, Pineau traced in some detail recent developments in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam along usual French lines. He expressed guarded optimism regarding general situation in Laos and Cambodia and cited particularly need for economic and social aid from other powers as crucial to political stability. Praised progress in Viet Nam. There is hope for better relations between protocol states in view of their recognition of external threat posed by Communism. If these states are able to grow stronger then SEATO will have been justified.
[Page 21]Secretary spoke next for U.S. Text cabled as Secto 25,4 rptd unn other SEATO capitals. Casey spoke for Australia and associated himself with French appreciation of situation in Laos but felt that only future would reveal whether experiment in [with] Pathet Lao would succeed. For this reason essential that SEATO members do all in their power to assure that Laotians understand Commie techniques and also keep up measure of economic aid.
On Indonesia, Casey recognized delicacy of discussing internal affairs of non-member state but took view that Indonesian situation and particularly growing Commie influence there is of most serious concern to SEATO. Casey then ranged over a number of different topics. He paid warm tribute to Phil “Operation Brotherhood” in Vietnam and Laos as best form of technical assistance. Neutralist sentiment dangerous SEATO program. Suggested three methods by which SEATO can combat: (1) demonstration to neutral governments that Sino-Soviets are not on same moral plane and threat to small countries only comes from Sino-Soviet bloc; (2) convince neutral countries they must interpret their neutrality in truly neutral spirit; (3) speak out publicly in support of SEATO and principle of collective self-defense.
On disarmament Casey stressed enormity of ChiCom manpower and therefore any disarmament agreement must include conventional as well as nuclear weapons. Echoed Lloyd’s sentiments regarding danger of depression and said that trend of commodity prices in SEATO area must be watched carefully because further deterioration these prices would have serious political consequences. On recognition of Peking, related that at recent Australian Chiefs of Mission Conference Ambassadors present reported no indications future recognition by States to be accredited. Casey stated categorically no change in Australian position regarding recognition. Stated Australia will maintain aid to Colombo Plan on same level and indicated his great personal interest in work of ECAFE. Mentioned Aussie program of inviting Asian personalities for visits and favorable results. Ended by eloquent statement of appreciation of U.S. “super generous aid” since end of war. US taxpayer assuming vast burden to maintain democracy throughout world. Felt Australian representative appropriate to mention this because Australia has not nor will seek direct aid.
Session ended with Nash stating he was going to make public report to New Zealand on realistic farseeing objective statements for peace made by delegates during day and that none more constructive or logical than that made by US delegate.
- Source: Department of State, Conference Files: Lot 63 D 123, CF 990. Confidential; SEATO. Drafted in the political section of the Embassy in Manila and approved by U. Alexis Johnson. Repeated to London, Paris, Karachi, Bangkok, Canberra, and Wellington.↩
- Held March 12 from 2:40 p.m. to 5 p.m.↩
- U Nu.↩
- Document 5.↩