890.20/7–2149: Telegram
The Minister-Counselor of Embassy in China (Clark) to the Secretary of State
Cantel 793. George Yeh, Acting Foreign Minister, tells me he has been exchanging messages with Quirino re next step in what Yeh prefers call “Far Eastern Union”. Decision has not yet been reached as to whether original participants will be restricted to Philippines, [Page 1172] China, Korea with other interested nations adhering at later date, or extended in initial stage together interested southeast Asia countries. Yeh inclines toward former. He insists there is no military phase involved at moment, that thought is predominant anti-Communist pact covering political and economic phases. Mutual military aid might come later. He wondered this connection whether Philippines had surplus war stocks which might some way become available.
Yeh says Chinese have word that British Commonwealth nations in Far East are discussing at least in preliminary stage, some form Commonwealth anti-Communist pact which would include India, Pakistan, Ceylon, Australia and New Zealand. This is among reasons he prefers restricting original signers proposed Far Eastern pact.
Foreign Office has set up committee to implement pact idea and Yeh promises keep me informed.
Sent Department Cantel 793, repeated Nanking 525, Shanghai 445, Taipei 73, Manila 23, Seoul 8.