890.20/7–2549: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Thailand 1
415. Urtel 644 Jul 21.2 Dept’s views re Chiang-Quirino proposal for Pacific Union set forth in Depcirtel Jul 20 1 am. While such views generally for urinfo only Dept appreciates possibility Thai Govt, following approach by new Phil Min, will inquire as to US Govt attitude re proposal. Accordingly Dept suggests you refer to Secy’s May 18 statement on Pacific Pact (wireless bulletin May 18 no. SX-B-A) which on July 13 and 20 he said still held good.
[Page 1175]Re Secy’s statement that Atlantic Pact of lengthy evolution you might point out inherent differences between Atlantic and Pacific communities, particularly that Atlantic community is stable one whereas Pacific community comprises areas torn by internal strife and until this strife is settled such areas may well be inordinate drain on more stable Asiatic partners in such union. Consequently time does not appear ripe for Pacific Union similar in character to Atlantic Pact. Foregoing not indication US Govt wld be unsympathetic to spontaneous moves toward a voluntary association of non-commie states in Pacific area through which polit aims and economies of those states cld be correlated to serve their mutual interests.
You will appreciate that while Dept wld welcome such an association it has had to consider whether or not the Chiang–Quirino proposal in its present form gives any promise of success (see first para Depcirtel, Jul 20). Also any indication US actively endorses such a union or suggests an alternative is likely to be distorted or misinterpreted as US initiative, which wld jeopardize any chance of its success. In other words the association shld be purely Asiatic development created by Asiatic initiative, and if Thai Govt in course discussion suggests alternative to Chiang–Quirino proposal you will find views expressed in penultimate para Depcirtel, Jul 20 of possible use.
Altho US constrained reserve its position at this time with respect Chiang–Quirino proposal you will no doubt find opportunity during discussion with Thai Govt reiterate continuing US concern in polit and econ problems confronting Thailand and you might advert to concrete evidence of this concern as briefly outlined Deptel 211, Apr 13.3 US will continue view sympathetically moves by Thai Govt to strengthen external and internal position and as in the past to give such material assistance and moral support as is possible and practicable under existing circumstances.