790.5/3–1050: Telegram
The Ambassador in Australia (Jarman) to the Secretary of State
71. Embtel 67 March 10.1 In speech in Parliament last night Spender went all out in support of a Pacific pact stating he meant “a defensive military arrangement” based on firm agreement between countries with vital interest in stability of Asia and Pacific and “which are at same time capable undertaking military commitments. I would like to think that Australia, UK and I fervently hope other Commonwealth countries might form a nucleus and that such other countries as might wish to do so should be given opportunity associating themselves with it”. “I have in mind, particularly, the US whose participation would give such a pact substance it would otherwise lack. Indeed it would be rather meaningless without her”.
Burton told Foster2 today that in view foregoing and of Acheson’s statement yesterday before House Committee3 (reported in Australian press) Spender plans ask me next Tuesday or Wednesday4 following questions:
- (1)
- What measures taken by Australia would US regard as constituting real initiative for creation of pact?
- (2)
- Supposing Australia takes such measures and fails gain adequate response from other Pacific countries, what would US do then? Would US feel compelled leave Australia out on limb or would she take steps try save situation?
Having in mind Deptel 34 February 25, Foster asked Burton casually as “purely personal question” whether he had ever considered possibility US might feel initiative should come from a country such as Thailand or Indonesia, thereby depriving Communists of chance to claim British imperialism or European colonialism was motivation. Burton seemed clearly taken by surprise and said Australia had never considered this. On contrary she regarded herself as one of the countries from which the initiative for a pacific pact might reasonably come.
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