790.5/10–1154: Telegram
The Consul General at Singapore (Berry) to the Department of State1
223. 1. Chiefs of British military services have taken advantage of Frank Wisner’s2 presence Singapore to express their concern re US military planning and strategy in SEA. Possible reason for approach to Wisner is that he first Washington official to visit Singapore since Geneva conference and more particularly since Manila conference.
2. Line taken by Admiral Lambe,3 General Loewen4 and others is to effect there exists impression in Singapore that US has “written [Page 950] off SEA” and “lost interest in area”. I have heard something of this before and have confined my remarks to statements that US policy as I understand it, is to strengthen free countries of SEA to resist aggression particularly covert and subversive attacks against them. US service attaches here advise me they have not received any similar approaches.
3. Burden of British military thesis here is that Malayan peninsula can be held but that this requires concerted planning between British, Australians, New Zealanders with at least some US participation. British military say they do not ask or expect full US participation but rather wish and hope US willing to give them general idea of broad US plans for situation involving overt aggression in SEA plus indication what role expected be played by British Commonwealth members in area. Further they express concern over lack any suitable vehicle for exchanges military views re area defense. British military have acknowledged defense Malayan peninsula requires application all available measures to bolster and shore up remaining free areas north of Kra peninsula but appear mainly preoccupied with military defense of peninsula.
4. Wisner after consultation with me agreed report British views to appropriate authorities Washington but disclaimed any competence on part his agency in this field which clearly in realm high State and Defense policy. Both Wisner and I are perplexed as to reasons why British military do not seek recourse to their normal channels for communication such views and proposals, but inclined to assume they have attempted do this without satisfactory reaction or response and thus seeking additional channel.5
- Repeated to London.↩
- Deputy Director for Plans, Central Intelligence Agency.↩
- Adm. Sir Charles Lambe, Commander in Chief, Far East Station.↩
- Gen. Sir Charles Edward Loewen, Commander in Chief of Far East Land Forces.↩
- In telegram 393 to Singapore, Oct. 18, the Department of State replied, concerning disposition of U.S. forces in the Far East, along the lines set forth in the minutes of the ANZUS Council Meeting, Oct. 11, p. 939. Additionally the Department stated: “US anxious give effect Manila Pact by appropriate arrangements for consultation re military planning, but considers situation area requires staff type arrangement for coordination respective national planning rather than NATO type joint planning organization. US does not agree UK view such military group (or meeting Manila Pact Council) should be at Singapore since seat UK colonial authority Asia.” The telegram concludes: “Dept confident present US–UK military channels adequate for exchange views these matters. Above sent, however, for your guidance and use your discretion if matter raised with you again.” (790.5/10–1154)↩