U.S. Not Interested Yet In Mooted Pacific Alliance

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22948, 17 May 1949, Page 5

U.S. Not Interested Yet In Mooted Pacific Alliance

(10 a.m.) Washington, May 16. The United States, whose participation is essential if it is to have much meaning, lias done no more than “note” the developing sentiment in favour of a Pacific defence pact, it was explained in semi-official quarters in Washington.

This means that although the United States has in a routine way kept itself informed on developments in pronouncemenhs in Australia and elsewhere of the desirability for a Pacific alliance against aggression, it has been careful to demonstrate no official interest which might encourage the belief that it is prepared at this stage to associate itself with any defence arrangement for that part of the world. “One thing at a time" is the precept behind the United States official thinking just now. The United States already has heavy commitments over broad areas of the world and it is felt that the danger of over-reaching even its admittedly great strength requires that it should enter into new commitments with the utmost caution. It is emphasised, too, that although the United States’ formal partnership in the Atlantic alliance through the ratification of the treaty may confidently be expected within the next two or three months, the concomitant arms assistance proposal is still far from consummation. In addition, there are many' who believe the United States will heed suggestions for a Mediterranean defence arrangement before turning its attention to the Pacific.

This., woujd be a logical extension of '"that so-called anti-Communist Truman doctrine for military and economic aid to Greece and Turkey and one which could effectively be integrated with the Atlantic Pact, thus extending in an important direction the wall against Russian aggression. Therefore, the strongest imoression in Washington is that, while anxious to do nothing to discourage preliminary planning among friends in the SouthWest Pacific, the United States will do J nothing to foster the hope that in the ' ,c foreseeable future it can become an official partner.