S.E.A.T.O. Background Outlined By Mr Sarasin

Press, Volume C, Issue 29626, 23 September 1961, Page 2

S.E.A.T.O. Background Outlined By Mr Sarasin

The background of the South-East Asia Treaty Organisation, why the organisation was created, what it is doing and its relation to the United Nations were discussed by the Secretary-General of ILE-AXO. (Mr Pote Sarasin) at a meeting of. the Royal Commonwealth Society last evening. S.E.A.T.O.’s “connexion” with the University of Canterbury was also outlined by Mr Sarasin, who devoted much of his talk to explaining the civil side of the organisation.

“One ot the objects of S.E.A.T.O. on the civil side is to promote the economic well-being of people of member countries and we have special connexions with the University of Canterbury,” he said. “I visited that university today.”

Mr Sarasin mentioned various projects at present being carried out at the S.EA.T.O. Graduate School in Bangkok. The buildings, equipment, professors, and scholarships had all been provided by member countries, although the school was open to students from all countries. At a technical school g.ven by Australia, important medical research was being carried out as part of the many programmes organised for the benefit of the S.E.A.T.O. countries. "To Prevent Aggression" Mr Sarasin said he had been asked many times what S.E.A.T.O..had accomplished. “It was not created to build or construct but to prevent aggression,” he said. “We have so far accomplished that. In this way our accomplishments are hard to define. It is like taking a pill if you don’t feel well. You could never prove that if you hadn’t taken the pill you would have been seriously ill.” He was also frequently asked why there were not more Asian members in the organisation. "The countries in Asia—all of them—have, at some time been under!

colonial rule," he said. “Since they have become free their feeling of nationalism has been very strong and they are greatly suspicious of all powers in general. They feel at this stage that to be neutral may serve them best. “We, in 5.E.A.T.0., do not criticise. We feel they could enjoy the protection of S.E.A.T.O, but, purely for domestic reasons, are not able to join. Perhaps in years to come they may think differently.” One of the audience asked Mr Sarasin if real neutrality was possible today.

I “No-one can be neutral . unless he is strong enough to . maintain his neutrality,” said iMr Sarasin. “The privilege . of being neutral today is , because the West has so much power.” Speaking of the basic defence provided by the organisation, Mr Sarasin said 1 the fear of aggression always ■ existed. Therefore the or- ■ ganisation’s military powers. 1 though much smaller than ; those of the North Atlantic • Treaty Organisation, had to 1 be maintained in readiness in ■ case of attack. i Naval Exercise He described a recent navat exercise in the Gulf of Thai- ■ land and in the Pacific where the warships of the eight member countries were directed under Australian command. This was one of many exercises on land, sea 'and in the air that were car[ried out by S.E.A.T.O. forces ! Mr Sarasin mentioned the

death of the United Nations Secretary-General (Mr Dag Hammarskjold). “Now, the United Nations is at a crisis and I really do not know what will hapen,” he said “It is doubtful that the office of Secretary-General, with its former authority, power and usefulness, wiU be held again because it is not likely that the powers will agree.” Mr Sarasin was welcomed and introduced to members by the president of the society (Mr D. E. Ames).