890.20/7–2049: Circular telegram
The Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic and Consular Offices 1
Dept considers Chiang–Quirino proposal for Pacific Union result primarily Chi Nationalist and Rhee initiative seeking supplementary means appeal for US mil aid and influence US public opinion that end. Believe Quirino acceded Chiang’s [and] Rhee’s transparent but flattering suggestion he take lead not only from genuine concern Phil security but because his emergence as Asian leader wld improve his polit prospects election this fall. Believe Chi Nationalist charter membership saddles embryonic union with hopeless mil problem, makes nature aims of union such as likely alienate India, other south Asian nations, Austral, NZ, thereby inhibiting development association south Asian and Pacific non-Commie countries which might develop sufficient indigenous strength prove viable and eventually assistable.
While Chi, Korean, possibly Phil dipl and propaganda activity expected try create impression rapid solid developments, Chi sources state agreed only Thailand [and] Indo be approached this stage. Dept anticipates probable lack enthusiastic responses these two plus developments Chi and US aloofness may tend prolong interval “dipl preparation” before proposed second formal conference.
Fact Romulo to head Union work for Quirino and Romulo’s ideas (Infotel Jul 18, 10:00 am2) seem more realistic approach to formation of viable association non-Commie countries Asia Pacific which we and presumably others could welcome constitute encouraging note if Romulo able swing Quirino and it is possible Nehru may wish at some stage to reassert his New Delhi conference leadership.
Dept remains aloof from present proposal, believes wise refrain from privately suggesting or publicly endorsing alternative such as Romulo’s. But if approached confidential basis re some likely alternative chiefs of missions or Dept might respond we consider that development healthy increasing econ polit ties between non-Commie countries south Asia Pacific essential to growth strong association Asian Pacific nations which wld offer means protecting advancing [Page 1171] interests individual countries concerned; that settlements we have long urged Indo, Indochina essential; that increased mutually beneficial trade within area, taking full advantage industrial potential Jap, India and productive resources other countries, also important; that in our view any movement or structure which might evolve must have inherent strength in Asia not appear be instrument designed to extract and channel US aid.
Dept believes US officials shld avoid public statements or actions which cld be interpreted as indicating US support or opposition Chiang–Quirino proposal or that the present non-committal attitude wld continue shld effective alternative develop.