ASIAN PACT TALKS

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27426, 12 August 1954, Page 11

ASIAN PACT TALKS

Early Statement Expected WASHINGTON, August 10. The United States Secretary of State ?(Mf Dulles) said today he hoped that the nations working on the proposed ‘South-east Asian Defence Pact would 'be able to make an announcement on their further plans by the end of this rweek. Mr Dulles told a press conference .that the talks with prospective members were going ahead in a normal way and that the hoped-for statement •might indicate with greater precision how the prospective members proposed ,to bring that project to consummation. If a conference of prospective member nations were held, the question of ’meeting a Soviet attempt to convert •South-east Asia through subversion would also be discussed, he said. In answer to ? question, he said that it was possible some of the Colombo Powers might associate themselves with the pact. A Colombo .message says that Ceylon’s Prime Minister (Sir John ’Koielawala) has asked Mr Nehru if he will attend the proposed Colombo Powers’ meeting on a South-east Asian Treaty Organisation if the venue is shifted from Rangoon to New Delhi, official sources said today. This communication was sent through Ceylon’s High Commissioner in India in reply to Mr Nehru’s letter expressing his inability to attend the proposed meeting in Rangoon towards the end of August. View of Colombo Powers

Indonesia has said she is unwilling to attend the Rangoon meeting. Burma has not objected, and Pakistan has a -reed to attend. Official indications are that Ceylon will not attend any Western-sponsored meeting to discuss the formation of the proposed organisation. Indonesia is not interested in 5.E.A.T.0., will not join it whatever shape it may take, and is not intending to send an observer to the SELA.T.O. conference, the Indonesian Information Minister (Dr. Tobing) said today after a Cabinet meeting, according to a Jakarta message. Dr. Tobing also said that Indonesia Bt present did not deem necessary a second Colombo conference, as suggested by the Ceylonese Prime Minister.