890.20/8–1549: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Philippines
996. Pls deliver orally to Romulo fol reply [to] msg to Jessup and Butterworth contained Embtel 1968, Aug. 15.1
Dept considers concept of an Asian Assn which has evolved in Quirino–Romulo correspondence cld provide practical basis for useful cooperation between participating states and as such shld have general appeal. Reaction US Govt has been indicated Sec’s May 18 statement and in final sentence joint communiqué Presidents Phils and US Aug 10. From first hand knowledge continuing notable benefits accruing peoples participating in inter-American cultural and econ cooperation, which be it noted dates back to efforts of Simon Bolivar in early nineteenth century and crystallized in its present form at latter part of that century, US is particularly alive to value regional collaboration of type outlined Quirino–Romulo exchange. However, Dept at this time constrained to avoid taking any step indicative of participation or which cld be misinterpreted as US maneuver behind scenes. Dept believes progress formation Asian and Pacific or SEA Assn depends on indigenous incentive and momentum developed in countries concerned and that such incentive and momentum might be in inverse proportion to impetus coming or seeming to come from outside area. In Dept’s view coalescence viable Assn can come about only through genuine self-discovery of common purposes and mutual needs; efforts of outside powers however well intentioned aimed at stimulating regional approach [Page 1190] to area problems might cause distractions and have misleading effect. Furthermore, encouragement by US might well arouse expectations of US econ assistance to assoc members beyond any now contemplated.
We shall be glad discuss with Romulo upon his return to Washington appropriate means by which US might make clear its appreciation of value of a regional approach without creating misunderstanding of sort indicated.
As Romulo of course aware problem complicated by confusion in most quarters resulting from divergent concepts of Association now under discussion.