Documents on Australian Foreign Policy :: Volume 24: Australia and the Colombo Plan, 1949

1. CABLEGRAM FROM SENANAYAKE TO CHIFLEY: 8 November 1949; ‘Colombo, 8 November 1949 47. SECRET You will remember that at the Prime Ministers’ Meeting held in London in October, 1948, a proposal was mooted that in the interval between meetings of Commonwealth Prime Ministers, Meetings on Foreign Affairs may be held at ministerial level. Though there was some difference...’
2. MEMORANDUM FROM BURTON TO CRAWFORD: 9 November 1949; ‘Canberra, 9 November 1949 SECRET Australian representatives in Pacific and South East Asian Countries are being recalled to Canberra for discussions on general political and economic problems of the area affecting Australia. It is proposed that the discussions should begin at the end of this week. Since questions in which...’
3. DISCUSSIONS ON ASIA WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED: 11 November 1949; ‘3 Discussions on Asia with Representatives of the United Kingdom and new Zealand Canberra, 11 November 1949 SECRET Following the conference of United Kingdom representatives in East and South East Asia at Bukit Serene, Johore, on 2–3rd November, Mr. M.E. Dening, Assistant Under Secretary in charge of Far Eastern affairs...’
4. PAPER BY DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 November 1949; ‘Canberra, 13 November 1949 Australia and South-East Asia The important changes that are taking place throughout Asia are bound to have fundamental consequences for Australia, and call for a thorough re-examination of Australia’s relationships with Asia and with the rest of the world. In particular, the existing pattern of Australia’s...’
5. PAPER BY DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 November 1949; ‘Canberra, 13 November 1949 SECRET Relations with South-East Asia In the light of the general appreciation of Australia’s interests in South-East Asia which has been circulated,1 the following more specific propositions are put forward for further inter-departmental exploration and discussion: 1. International action in South-East Asia Australian Delegations to international...’
6. SUMMARY RECORD OF DISCUSSIONS: 14 November 1949; ‘Canberra, 14 November 1949 SECRET Following meetings between representatives of the Governments of United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand to discuss Japan, China and South East Asia, a meeting took place on Monday, 14th November, between representatives of the Department of External Affairs (including Australian representatives in South East Asia)...’
7. MEMORANDUM FROM BORTHWICK TO BURTON: 23 November 1949; ‘Canberra, 23 November 1949 C. 408 Commonwealth Conference in Ceylon–1950 I took advantage of a formal call which I paid this week in Mr. Amott’s2 company upon Mr. Vaithianathan, Secretary to the Department of Defence & External Affairs, Ceylon, briefly to raise the subject of this Conference. Mr. Vaithianathan had...’
8. NOTE BY DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 December 1949; ‘Canberra, 8 December 1949 Australian Aid to South East Asia I. Relief funds (a) Allocation Out of the grant of 4 million pounds approved by Cabinet for Australian post-UNKRA relief in May 1947, £480,000 was set aside for the purchase of relief supplies to South East Asian countries. Freight on...’
9. MEMORANDUM FROM BURTON TO MILLS: 12 December 1949; ‘Canberra, 12 December 1949 Technical Assistance for Economic Development I should like to draw your attention to some of the implications of an Australian contribution, in terms of experts to advise governments on specific problems, to the United Nations expanded programme of technical assistance for economic development. I shall be...’
10. MINUTE FROM BURTON TO SPENDER: 19 December 1949; ‘Canberra, 19 December 1949 The attached note has been prepared for Cabinet regarding the forthcoming Conference of British Commonwealth Foreign Ministers at Ceylon. No recommendations are made, and the submission merely points to the matters on which decisions are required. 2. Attached to the submission are notes on two matters...’
11. BRIEF FOR CABINET FOR COMMONWEALTH CONFERENCE, COLOMBO: December 1949; ‘Canberra, December 1949 Top Secret [ matter omitted ] Australian Policy in South-East Asia A. INTRODUCTION A series of informal meetings took place at Canberra, beginning on 10th November and lasting throughout the ensuing week, to discuss recent developments throughout East and South-East Asia and to consider Australian policy in...’
12. PRESS RELEASE BY DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 December 1949; ‘Canberra, 20 December 1949 Australian representation at Colombo Conference The Minister for External Affairs, The Hon. P C. Spender, stated in Canberra to-day that at the Prime Minister’s request he would be attending the Conference of British Commonwealth Foreign Ministers commencing on 9th January, 1950, at Colombo. Mr. Spender explained...’
13. PRESS RELEASE BY DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 December 1949; ‘Canberra, 21 December 1949 Australian Delegation for Colombo Conference The Minister for External Affairs, Mr. Spender, to-day announced the composition of the Australian Delegation to the Conference of British Commonwealth Foreign Ministers to be held at Colombo on January 9th, 1950. As already announced, the Delegation will be led by...’
14. CABLEGRAM FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO POSTS: 3 January 1950; ‘Canberra, 3 January 1950 137. Australian Relations with Asia On the eve of his departure for the Conference of Commonwealth Foreign M inisters which opens at Colombo on 9th January, 1950, the Minister for External Affairs, the Hon. P.C. Spender, K.C. said that Australia must orientate its foreign policy towards...’
15. CABLEGRAM FROM SPENDER TO MENZIES: 10 January 1950; ‘Colombo, 10 January 1950 13. EMERGENCY SECRET 1. The meeting of Foreign Ministers had its opening session this morning (Monday) at 10.30. Senanayake was appointed Chairman. The Agenda for the week’s discussions was fixed as follows on the understanding that Ministers are free to add additional items. Monday : General...’
16. MEMORANDUM BY AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION TO CONFERENCE OF COMMONWEALTH FOREIGN MINISTERS: 11 January 1950; ‘Colombo, 11 January 1950 Economic Policy in South and South-East Asia Memorandum by the Australian Delegation Introduction 1. The consolidation of communism in China, and the evident threat of its emergence as a growing force throughout South-East Asia, underline the urgency of international efforts to stabilise government and to create...’
17. CABLEGRAM FROM SPENDER TO MENZIES: 11 January 1950; ‘Colombo, 11 January 1950 18. SECRET IMMEDIATE [ matter omitted ] 4. The afternoon session was given over to some discursive debate on economic conditions in various countries beginning with statement by Ceylon Finance Minister Jayewardene1 setting forth Ceylon’s economic needs and introducing a resolution for a ten year plan...’
18. CABLEGRAM FROM HIGH COMMISSION IN COLOMBO TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 January 1950; ‘Colombo, 14 January 1950 32. EMERGENCY RESTRICTED Yesterday’s Conference session began with discussion on Vietnam… [ matter omitted ] 4. Bevin outlined the United Kingdom proposals for a loan to Burma under which the United Kingdom would contribute three and three quarter million pounds towards the seven and a half...’
19. CABLEGRAM FROM SPENDER TO MENZIES: 14 January 1950; ‘Colombo, 14 January 1950 35. IMMEDIATE R ESTRICTED Set out below is text of recommendations of Foreign Ministers to their Government on economic cooperation in South East Asia. 2. It should be noted that this text has not been published and reference to it in the communiqué (our 34) is...’
20. CABLEGRAM FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 14 January 1950; ‘Canberra, 14 January 1950 15. RESTRICTED Colombo Conference: Aid to South East Asia. 1. The Australian delegation at Colombo has prepared and circulated a paper setting out Australia’s views on economic assistance to South East Asia.1 2. These proposals, which have been discussed with the U.K., will recommend the Commonwealth...’
21. CABLEGRAM TO FROM HIGH COMMISSION IN COLOMBO TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 January 1950; ‘Colombo, 15 January 1950 37. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED Friday morning’s Conference session was substantially a review of the European situation. [ matter omitted ] 6. The afternoon session considered and slightly amended the Australian/Ceylon/New Zealand resolution1 embodying our economic proposals for South East Asia (our 35).2 Pearson suggested the omission of...’
22. MEMORANDUM FROM MILLS TO BURTON: 20 January 1950; ‘Canberra, 20 January 1950 Technical Assistance for Economic Development Reference is made to your memorandum 856/10/3 of the 12th December.1 I assume that if thirty experts are required, approximately six will be needed in each of the five fields specified, although the numbers may be greater or less according to...’
23. DISPATCH FROM MAKIN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 January 1950; ‘Washington, 23 January 1950 CONFIDENTIAL The resolution for Economic Assistance for South-East Asia which was approved by the Colombo Conference on 15th January2 has, to the extent that its content has become known, received a generous and favourable press coverage. For example, the Washington ‘Post’ of 19th January referred to...’
24. DISPATCH FROM HEYDON TO BURTON: 23 January 1950; ‘London, 23 January 1950 CONFIDENTIAL Subject: Colombo Conference – United Kingdom Reactions I propose to comment very briefly on the reactions to the Colombo Conference in the United Kingdom, emphasising (i) Nature of coverage by Press and radio. (ii) Comment by newspapers. (iii) Comment by magazines and reviews. (iv) Official...’
25. LETTER FROM TANGE TO HEYDON: 25 January 1950; ‘Canberra, 25 January 1950 I am enclosing three documents relating to the meeting of Foreign Ministers at Colombo: the Public Communiqué1 the Australian Paper on Economic Policy in South and South East Asia,2 and the Agreed Recommendations by the Foreign Ministers to their Governments on this subject.3 The latter two...’
26. PAPER BY TANGE: 31 January 1950; ‘Canberra, 31 January 1950 SECRET Commonwealth Meeting on Foreign Affairs, Colombo January 8th to 14th, 1950 REPORT ON ECONOMIC ASPECTS Meeting of officials on sterling-dollar relations The discussions on sterling-dollar relations, which were the second in the series inaugurated by the Finance Ministers’ Conference in London in July 1949, were...’
27. PAPER BY BIRCH: 10 February 1950; ‘Canberra, [10] February 19502 SECRET Economic Assistance in South-East Asia 1. The Conference of Commonwealth Foreign Ministers at Colombo has agreed to form a Consultative Committee on South and South-East Asia. The Australian Government feels that the most effective way of resisting the spread of Communism in the area is...’
28. LETTER FROM TANGE TO CRITCHLEY: 10 February 1950; ‘Canberra, 10 February 1950 SECRET [ matter omitted ] I am enclosing 4 documents relating to the Colombo Conference, all of which will, I think, be of interest to you: 1. Papers submitted to the Conference by the Minister;1 2. The Agreed Recommendations by the Ministers to their Governments;2 3....’
29. MEMORANDUM FROM BROWN TO SPENDER: 16 February 1950; ‘Canberra, 16 February 1950 CONFIDENTIAL Economic Assistance to South and South East Asia CABINET–14/2/1950 Cabinet— (1) considered and approved the recommendations2 of the meeting of British Commonwealth Foreign Ministers at Colombo in regard to economic assistance for South and South East Asia, that the participating governments should— (i) examine the...’
30. SAVINGRAM FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 19 February 1950; ‘Canberra, 19 February 1950 66. SECRET Consultative Committee for South and South East Asia 1. We are despatching by bag copies of the agreed recommendations made by Foreign Ministers to Governments on the question of economic assistance to South and South East Asia1 together with a copy of the paper...’
31. MEMORANDUM FROM BURTON TO BILLS: 1 March 1950; ‘Canberra, 1 March 1950 CONFIDENTIAL Technical Assistance for Economic Development Since my letter1 to you of December 12th and your reply2 of January 20th (reference 10/1/2) Cabinet has decided that, in the light of the recommendations of the meeting of Commonwealth Foreign Ministers at Colombo, the Government will— (a) contribute...’
32. CABLEGRAM FROM HEYDON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 March 1950; ‘London, 8 March 1950 1013.Priority King’s speech referred to United Kingdom co-operation ‘with other Commonwealth Governments in matters of common interest in South and South East Asia.1 2. Eden2 in debate on address, in reply after criticising foreign policy sections of King’s speech for lacking ‘common theme’ and saying ‘isolated...’
33. DRAFT SUBMISSION FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO SPENDER: 8 March 1950; ‘Canberra, 8 March 1950 Preparations for the Consultative Committee for South and South-East Asia This paper has been drafted to bring to your attention certain considerations which, in the opinion of the Department, should influence our preparations for the meeting of the Committee. Three important questions are timing, the level...’
34. NOTE OF DISCUSSION BETWEEN DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE OF EDUCATION: 9 March 1950; ‘Canberra, 9 March 1950 Note of discussion concerning facilities available for training of foreign students under expanded programme of technical assistance and Australian bilateral proposals Present: EA: Mr Tange, Mr Bullock,1 Mr Ingram,2 COE: Mr Hook3 The discussion centred on a memo of this department to COE regarding an estimate...’
35. CABLEGRAM FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS: 10 March 1950; ‘Canberra, 10 March 1950 124.RESTRICTED Your memorandum 271,1 Technical Assistance. We are considering submission to Government on level and conditions of Australian contribution. The Government has agreed in principle to make contribution. One major consideration is that the contribution should not be so great as to prevent Australia expanding considerably...’
36. MEMORANDUM FROM BURTON TO HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS: 13 March 1950; ‘Canberra, 13 March 1950 The Government, on 14th February 1950, approved certain recommendations adopted by Foreign Ministers at the Colombo Conference concerning economic assistance to South and South East Asia. A copy of this Cabinet decision is attached.2 2. A meeting in Australia of the British Commonwealth Consultative Committee has...’
37. MEMORANDUM FROM TANGE TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 14 March 1950; ‘Canberra, 14 March 1950 Economic Assistance to South and South-East Asia 1. In preparation for the forthcoming meeting of the British Commonwealth Consultative Committee in May we urgently need as much detailed information as possible concerning the economic situation of the area of South and South-East Asia,—the countries concerned for...’
38. NOTE BY DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 March 1950; ‘Canberra, 15 March 1950 Some Political Aspects of Economic Assistance The aim is political , the means only are economic. The provision of aid may have good, bad or no results, according to political factors. 2. The result of the United States policy of economic assistance to non-communist or anti-communist...’
39. LETTER FROM SPENDER TO MENZIES: 16 March 1950; ‘Canberra, 16 March 1950 As you are aware, Cabinet on 14th February 1950 approved the recommendation adopted at the Colombo Conference concerning economic assistance to South and South East Asia. A copy of this decision is attached.1 I am planning for a meeting of the British Commonwealth Consultative Committee in...’
40. CABLEGRAM FROM SPENDER TO GORDON WALKER: 17 March 1950; ‘Canberra, 17 March 1950 72. IMMEDIATE PERSONAL I understand that Government’s decision on participation in the Consultative Committee, which was decided upon at Ceylon, will be made on Monday. 2. You will have seen the response of the United States of America to the broad policy I put forward in...’
41. CABLEGRAM FROM EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 March 1950; ‘Washington, 18 March 1950 213.SECRET Our 210.1 As a result of informal enquiries of State Department in relation to significance of reference to Minister’s speech in Acheson’s address, and of Reston’s comments, we were glad to interview with Butterworth2 today. Butterworth stated that reference to Minister’s speech was intended to...’
42. MEMORANDUM FROM UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 1 March 1950; ‘London, March 1950 Sydney Conference TEXT OF MEMORANDUM BY HIS MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM WHICH IS BEING COMMUNICATED TO OTHER COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENTS 1. It may be convenient, before the Sydney Conference, for United Kingdom Government to set out tentatively lines along which we think this problem of economic...’
43. LETTER FROM MILLS TO BURTON: 22 March 1950; ‘Canberra, 22 March 1950 CONFIDENTIAL Technical Assistance for Economic Development I refer to your memorandum of 1st March, reference 856/10/311 and to the discussions which took place in Canberra on 9th March between Mr. Tange of your Department and Mr. Hook 2 of this office. I understand that Mr. Tange...’
44. MINUTES OF CABINET COMMITTEE MEETING: 22 March 1950; ‘Canberra, 22 March 1950 CONFIDENTIAL Cabinet Committee on Aid to South and S.E. Asia (Minutes of meeting – 22nd March, 1950) The Chairman indicated that, in consequence of Cabinet Decision No. 31,2 a Consultative Committee consisting of representatives of British Commonwealth Governments would meet in Australia on 15th May, 1950,...’
45. MEMORANDUM FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS FOR AUSTRALIAN REPRESENTATIVES IN SOUTH EAST ASIA: 27 March 1950; ‘Canberra, 27 March 1950 Economic Assistance to South and South-East Asia In preparation for the forthcoming meeting of the Consultative Committee, we have initiated discussions in Canberra with other interested Departments. 2. We are enclosing for your information two documents. Enclosure A. is a report of the first meeting which...’
46. MEMORANDUM FROM PLIMSOLL TO BURTON: 31 March 1950; ‘Washington, 31 March 1950 Economic Assistance to South and South-East Asia 1. It is very difficult at the moment to give you any definite information on U.S. views or preparations in regard to economic development of South-East Asia. The State Department is in considerable turmoil just now – partly because...’
47. LETTER FROM BRUCE TO SPENDER: 4 April 1950; ‘London, 4 April 1950 URGENT PERSONAL I am venturing to write you a line with regard to the follow-up Conference on your proposals at Colombo for economic aid to South East Asia. I was most interested in your proposals and delighted that you had taken the initiative. From the newspaper...’
48. MEMORANDUM FROM PLIMSOLL TO BURTON: 11 April 1950; ‘Washington, 11 April 1950 CONFIDENTIAL Economic Assistance to South and South-East Asia 1. The State Department at present seems to have no firm ideas about technical and other assistance to South-East Asia. As we pointed out in an earlier memorandum,1 the two relevant sections of the Department are disorganized by...’
49. MEMORANDUM FROM PLIMSOLL TO BURTON: 13 April 1950; ‘Washington, 13 April 1950 Economic Assistance to South and South-East Asia 1. We have still not been able to obtain any guidance from the State Department on the extent or nature of total assistance which should be given to the region of South and South-East Asia, nor the specific needs...’
50. CABLEGRAM FROM NIMMO TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 April 1950; ‘London, 17 April 1950 ‘1662. SECRET Further to our 1634.2 Assistance to South East Asia. 2. The main emphasis of the United Kingdom delegation to the Sydney Conference will be on the formulation of long term economic development plans for South and South East Asian countries. With this in mind,...’
51. TELEGRAM FROM AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT: 19 April 1950; ‘Canberra, 19 April 1950 95. IMMEDIATE SECRET We have received from your High Commissioner Canberra1 the views of the United Kingdom Government on the draft agenda2 which we communicated to you informally and your counter suggestions as to the form of the agenda. 2. We note that the United Kingdom...’
52. MEMORANDUM FROM TANGE TO AUSTRALIAN REPRESENTATIVES IN SOUTH EAST ASIA: 20 April 1950; ‘Canberra, 20 April 1950 Technical Assistance to South and South-East Asia In preparation for the forthcoming meeting of the British Commonwealth Consultative Committee, we have been giving some thought to the type of educational assistance we may be able to afford the countries of South and South-East Asia to meet...’
53. MEMORANDUM FROM TANGE TO METCALFE: 26 April 1950; ‘Canberra, 26 April 1950 Technical Assistance to South and South-East Asia1 At the meeting of the British Commonwealth Consultative Committee which meets in Sydney on May 15th there will be discussion of the extent to which Australia can expand its present programme of training, in Australia, nationals from South and...’
54. TELEGRAM FROM COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS OFFICE TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 26 April 1950; ‘London, 26 April 1950 85. PRIORITY CONFIDENTIAL Consultative Committee Meeting Subject to your own views we would propose that the U.S.A. should be kept informed of the course of the meeting at Sydney on the same general lines as was done at the Colombo Conference, i.e. by suitable communications made...’
55. CABLEGRAM FROM AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO GOVERNMENTS OF UNITED KINGDOM, CANADA, CEYLON, INDIA, NEW ZEALAND AND PAKISTAN: 26 April 1950; ‘Canberra, 26 April, 1950 100., 10., 9., 14., 59., 92. CONFIDENTIAL PRIORITY Consultative Committee The Australian Government proposes that the agenda for the Consultative Committee commencing in Sydney on 15th May should include the following: 1. Election of Chairman and opening address. 2. Review of priority economic requirements of countries...’
56. CABLEGRAM FROM AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO GORDON WALKER: 3 May 1950; ‘Canberra, 3 May 1950 105. RESTRICTED The United Kingdom Government has drawn to our attention the possibility of questions being raised at the Sixth Session of ECAFE as to the relationship between ECAFE and the Sydney meeting of the Consultative Committee. 2. The United Kingdom Government considers that it would...’
57. MINUTE FROM WHEELER TO FADDEN: 3 May 1950; ‘Canberra, 3 May 1950 Aid to South and South East Asia Proposal for Commonwealth Fund On 22nd March 1950, Cabinet Committee on Aid to South and South East Asia approved, inter alia, that the Minister for External Affairs should at the coming meeting of British Commonwealth representatives in Sydney on...’
58. TELEGRAM FROM AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENTS: 3 May 1950; ‘Canberra, 3 May 1950 106. IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. It is the hope of the Australian Government that the Consultative Committee meeting in Sydney will reach agreement on2— (a) objectives of long term development programme for South and South East Asia and on arrangements to begin immediately to prepare such a...’
59. CABLEGRAM FROM SPENDER TO HARRISON: 4 May 1950; ‘Canberra, 4 May 1950 1954. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Telegram A.46 20th April from the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations,2 of which Heydon will have a copy, sets out the agenda for the meeting of Bevin, Schuman3 and Attlee from 11th to 13th May. 2. You should know the following...’
60. LETTER FROM SPENDER TO MENZIES: 4 May 1950; ‘Canberra, 4 May 1950 URGENT I refer to the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on aid to South and South-East Asia which was held on 22nd March, 1950.1 You will recall that the Committee decided to give me freedom to negotiate within an overall limit of £13 million in 1950/51...’
61. CABLEGRAM FROM DOIDGE TO SPENDER: 5 May 1950; ‘Wellington, 5 May 1950 47. IMMEDIATE SECRET Begins. Commonwealth Consultative Committee It has not yet been possible to get Governmental consideration of the proposals made in your telegram No.641 but I feel bound at this stage to give you my own reactions. 2. The immediate problem is, I agree, to...’
62. CABLEGRAM FROM HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 May 1950; ‘London, 8 May 1950 2034. SECRET From External. Your telegram 1950.1 Consultative Committee. Nimmo and Hey don have discussed your telegram 106 to Commonwealth Relations Office2 with senior officials who hope to get Ministers’ decisions on 8th May. Their present intention is to telegraph these to their Delegation for full...’
63. CABLEGRAM FROM SPENDE TO HARRISON: 10 May 1950; ‘Canberra, 10 May 1950 2045. SECRET Please convey the following message to Bevin from me as soon as practicable. You might appropriately be able to do this as a follow-up of your previous conversation. ‘I am glad to learn from Mr Harrison that your health has improved to some extent...’
64. CABLEGRAM FROM HARRISON TO SPENDER: 10 May 1950; ‘London, 10 May 1950 2110. IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL 1. Your telegram 20451 received today. I handed your message to Bevin this evening. He read it with interest and asked me to assure you that the United Kingdom Delegation at Sydney was to treat all questions with ‘utmost flexibility and entirely...’
65. DRAFT STATEMENT BY SPENDER TO DELEGATES AT A MEETING OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE: 14 May 1950; ‘14 May 1950 Statement by the Minister for External Affairs on his Appointment as Chairman of the Consultative Committee1 First of all I wish to thank you for electing me Chairman o f this conference o f the Commonwealth Consultative Committee for aid to South and South-East Asia. In doing...’
66. CABLEGRAM FROM SPENDER TO HARRISON: 16 May 1950; ‘Canberra, 16 May 1950 2154. EMERGENCY SECRET Please pass the following message with the least possible delay to Bevin. Thank you for the message you previously sent me through the High Commissioner1 from which I obtained great encouragement particularly your view that we should go step by step and gradually...’
67. CABLEGRAM FROM HARRISON TO SPENDER: 16 May 1950; ‘London, 16 May 1950 2194. IMMEDIATE SECRET-PERSONAL Your telegram No. 20451 Just after I had received your telegram this morning with a further message for Bevin2 I was asked to call on Younger,3 Minister for State, to receive a reply to your last message to Bevin, who regretted that he...’
68. MEMORANDUM BY AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION AT SYDNEY CONFERENCE: 1 May 1950; ‘68 Memorandum by Australian Delegation at Sydney Conference Sydney, May 1950 SECRET Memorandum by Australian Delegation TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE The following paper relates to— (1) draft agenda item ‘ short-term action ‘; (2) draft agenda item ‘Technical Assistance’. 2. The Consultative Committee has been asked to consider the creation of a...’
69. REPORT TO CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE: 1 May 1950; ‘Sydney, May 1950 SECRET Report to Committee by Preliminary Meeting of Officials on Technical Assistance I. INTRODUCTORY 1. The Conference of Commonwealth Foreign Ministers at Colombo recommended, inter alia (see Committee Document CC/SY/1/2)1 that the participating Governments should:— (iii) contribute to the technical assistance work of the United Nations and...’
70. REPORT TO CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE: 1 May 1950; ‘Sydney, May 1950 SECRET Report to Committee by Preliminary Meeting of Officials on Priority Economic Requirements of the Area and Questions other than Technical Assistance raised in Australian Paper (Ref. CC/SY/1/7.)1 I. INTRODUCTORY 1. The Conference of Commonwealth Foreign Ministers at Colombo recommended, (see Committee Document CC/SY/1/2)2 that the participating...’
71. REPORT OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE: 19 May 1950; ‘Sydney, 19 May 1950 SECRET Report of British Commonwealth Consultative Committee Sydney, 19th May, 1950 INTRODUCTION The Conference of Commonwealth Foreign Ministers at Colombo in January, 1950, recommended the establishment of a Consultative Committee, membership of which would be open to all Commonwealth Governments which wished to participate. The Committee...’
72. MEMORANDUM FROM METCALFE TO BURTON: 23 May 1950; ‘Canberra, 23 May 1950 Technical Assistance to South and South East Asia With reference to your memorandum 708/10/1 of 26th April, 1950,2 and in confirmation of the telephone discussion between Mr. Bullock3 of your Department and Dr. Geo. H. Moore,4 the following comments are furnished in connection with technical assistance...’
73. LETTER FROM SPENDER TO MENZIES: 26 May 1950; ‘Canberra, 26 May 1950 I refer to my letter of the 4th May, 19501 regarding the contribution which the Commonwealth Government is to make to the United Nations Technical Assistance Programme and to the conditions which are to be attached to the contribution which is made. My letter also proposed...’
74. LETTER FROM FADDEN TO MENZIES: 30 May 1950; ‘Canberra, 30 May 1950 I am enclosing herewith, for your information, a copy of a letter I have today despatched to the Minister for External Affairs on the question of the contribution to be made by Australia to the United Nations Technical Assistance Programme. Attachment LETTER FROM FADDEN TO SPENDER...’
75. MEMORANDUM FROM WATT TO WATT: 2 June 1950; ‘Canberra, 2 June 1950 Technical Assistance At the British Commonwealth Consultative Committee Meeting held in Sydney from May 15th to May 20th, 1950, consideration was given to the role of technical assistance in South and South-East Asia. 2. Enclosed herewith are three extracts from the Report of the Consultative Committee....’
76. MEMORANDUM FROM DUNK TO BURTON: 7 June 1950; ‘Canberra, 7 June 1950 I refer to your memorandum 708/10/5, of the 2nd June outlining certain proposals for technical assistance in South and South-East Asia,2 which resulted from the recent Sydney conference. The Commonwealth Public Service Board will be pleased to join in any inter-departmental discussion which may be arranged...’
77. LETTER FROM MENZIES TO SPENDER: 7 June 1950; ‘Canberra, 7 June 1950 I refer to your letters of 4th May1 and 26th May,2 regarding proposals for a contribution by the Commonwealth Government to the United Nations Technical Assistance Programme. I have also a letter dated 30th May from our colleague the Treasurer,3 with which he sent me a...’
78. INTERDEPARTMENTAL MEETING ON TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO SOUTH AND SOUTH EAST ASIA: 18 July 1950; ‘Canberra, 18 July 1950 An inter-departmental meeting was held at the Melbourne office of the Department of External Affairs on 18th July, 1950. The following Departments were represented: External Affairs Mr. A.H. Tange. Mr. H.W. Bullock. Commerce & Agriculture Mr. F.W. Bulcock (Director of Agriculture) Mr. G. Warwick-Smith. C.S.I.R.O. Mr....’
79. SUBMISSION FROM SPENDER TO CABINET: 26 July 1950; ‘Canberra, 26 July 1950 CONFIDENTIAL Economic Development in South and South-East Asia A. INTRODUCTION 1. On June 6th I described in the House of Representatives the broad nature of the recommendations of the Sydney meeting of the British Commonwealth Consultative Committee. The Report of the Committee is contained in Annex...’
80. MINUTE FROM BUNTING TO DURIE: 1 August 1950; ‘Canberra, 1 August 1950 CONFIDENTIAL Submission No. 1492 Economic Development in South and South East Asia. Cabinet 1st August, 1950. Cabinet decided that:— (a) The policy agreed by the Committee of Cabinet on 22nd March, 1950,3 for the supply of assistance to South and South-East Asia including the directive to...’
81. MINUTE FROM TANGE TO WATT: 3 August 1950; ‘Canberra, 3 August 1950 SECRET Programme for London Discussions of Consultative Committee We have yet to give the United Kingdom our comments on the proposed timetable (attached). 2. I understand that the Minister is prepared to fly back to London for the meeting commencing on Monday 25th. On the assumption...’
82. CABLEGRAM FROM AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO GORDON WALKER: 5 August 1950; ‘Canberra, 5 August 1950 171. PRIORITY CONFIDENTIAL 1. We have considered your 1471 in relation to schedule of London meetings suggested to us by your High Commissioner.2 2. We are most anxious that every opportunity be given to the non-Commonwealth Governments of South and South-East Asia to prepare development programmes...’
83. CABLEGRAM FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 7 August 1950; ‘Canberra, 7 August 1950 387. SECRET PRIORITY Consultative Committee For your information United Kingdom are proposing meetings of officials in London September 6th to September 23rd and of Ministers September 25th to October 7th to consider reports on economic development programmes for South and South-East Asia prepared in accordance with...’
84. CABLEGRAM FROM GORDON WALKER TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 11 August 1950; ‘London, 11 August 1950 157. CONFIDENTIAL PRIORITY Consultative Committee Your telegram No.171.1 1. We should be most reluctant to contemplate postponement of general programme communicated to you by our High Commissioner if this can be avoided. We feel it important to maintain the impetus of arrangements for following up Colombo...’
85. MEMORANDUM FROM PLIMSOLL TO WATT: 11 August 1950; ‘Washington, 11 August 1950 Economic Development of South East Asia We have discussed some of the problems of economic development in South East Asia with Mr. Harlan Cleveland, who is a senior officer in E.C.A. concerned with planning and policy. He is a strong believer in close cooperation between the...’
86. CABLEGRAM FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON: 17 August 1950; ‘London, 17 August 1950 3931. CONFIDENTIAL Your attention is drawn to telegram No.157 from Commonwealth Relations Office1 concerning the dates of the ministerial meetings of the Consultative Committee. 2. As we see it, the only reason for opposition to our proposal for deferment is convenience of Ministers who may be...’
87. LETTER FROM STUART TO WATT: 28 August 1950; ‘New Delhi, 28 August 1950 Indian approach to Australian-South East Asian Relations [ matter omitted ] The conclusion which one reaches at present in any attempt to evaluate Australian relations with India and South East Asia is that, while the logic of events is tending more and more towards just...’
88. CABLEGRAM FROM GORDON WALKER TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 30 August 1950; ‘London, 30 August 1950 175. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL It is in our view most important that the United States Government should be kept fully informed about the proceedings of the Consultative Committee Meeting and of the projected subsequent meeting to be attended by non-Commonwealth Government of South East Asia. 2. Whilst...’
89. LETTER FROM SYKES TO NIMMO: 31 August 1950; ‘London, 31 August 1950 Draft synopsis of the report on development in South and South East Asia Since we spoke yesterday afternoon about the draft synopsis which the United Kingdom had prepared as a basis for the Report which we hope will emerge from the coming meetings of the British...’
90. LETTER FROM SPENDER TO BEVIN: 5 September 1950; ‘London, 5 September 1950 Today I had the opportunity of a discussion with Mr. Attlee before luncheon in which I expressed to him my strong belief that it would be desirable to have a discussion with the United States at a high level in which we would explain the reasons...’
91. MEMORANDUM FROM NIMMO TO WATT: 6 September 1950; ‘6 September 1950 CONFIDENTIAL Consultative Committee on South and South East Asia Tange and I have discussed some of the problems which are likely to crop up during the London talks on economic assistance to South and South East Asia. We decided to seek an appointment with R.W.B. Clarke1 and...’
92. CABLEGRAM FROM HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 6 September 1950; ‘London, 6 September 1950 PRIORITY RESTRICTED Consultative Committee Your 4203 Paragraph 4.1 The Minister agrees that the least that should be done is to invite the United States to have Liaison Officer. He agrees to France and Netherlands being kept generally informed. We will advise C.R.O. direct. 2. Minister has...’
93. CABLEGRAM FROM EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 September 1950; ‘Washington, 8 September 1950 798. SECRET U.S. Attitude Toward Commonwealth Consultative Committee Following information has been given us on strictly personal basis by Canadian Embassy. Information was obtained from Labouisse1, Director of State Department Office of British Commonwealth and North European Affairs, as a result of conversation he had recently...’
94. CABLEGRAM FROM SPENDER TO MENZIES: 8 September 1950; ‘London, 8 September 1950 PRIORITY CONFIDENTIAL Commonwealth Consultative Committee The following sets out my views concerning Australian action in the Consultative Committee and I should be glad if you would bring them to the attention of Ministers when you have your discussion. I have yet to see the six-year development...’
95. CABLEGRAM FROM GOVERNMENT OF CEYLON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 11 September 1950; ‘Ceylon, 11 September 1950 37. SECRET Your telegram 118.2 We agree that the United States Government should be kept fully informed of proceedings of the Consultative Committee and subsequent meetings and that the best way of doing this would be by arranging for a special Liaison Officer from the United...’
96. CABLEGRAM FROM HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON TO SPENDER: 11 September 1950; ‘London, 11 September 1950 4332. SECRET IMMEDIATE Consultative Committee 1. After preliminary discussion of draft synopsis of final report,2 Committee is discussing seriatim programmes of each Commonwealth country. These will be remitted to drafting committees for preparation of a condensed version. Australia is one of three countries preparing Pakistan condensed...’
97. AGENDA AND MINUTES OF INTER DEPARTMENTAL COMMITTEE MEETING: 13 September 1950; ‘13 September, 1950 Agenda for Inter-Departmental Committee on Technical Assistance to South and South-East Asia Opening by Secretary, Department of External Affairs 1. General 2. Requests from India, Pakistan and Ceylon (a) Comprehensive statements. (b) Specific requests. 3. Assistance which Australia might give (i) Fellowships, scholarships and training awards (training...’
98. NOTES ON CONVERSATION AT THE STATE DEPARTMENT: 14 September 1950; ‘Washington, 14 September 1950 SECRET 1. The Minister outlined the genesis of the Spender Plan and the steps taken towards its fulfilment. He said that he had approached the question from the angle of stopping the spread of Communism which he conceived as an economic rather than a military problem....’
99. MEMORANDUM FROM DOIG TO HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS: 15 September 1950; ‘Canberra, 15 September, 1950 Meeting for Inter-Departmental Committee on Technical Assistance Policy—South and South East Asia With reference to the decisions made at the meeting of the above Committee on Wednesday last, 13th September,2 I now enclose a copy of 36 applications from the Government of Ceylon for Technical Assistance.3...’
100. CABLEGRAM FROM WATT TO SPENDER: 17 September 1950; ‘Canberra, 17 September 1950 W.90. RESTRICTED Technical Assistance Programme – Commonwealth Consultative Committee An interdepartmental committee has had general discussion on tentative proposals for technical assistance prepared by this Department keeping in mind the general and specific requests already received by us from India, Pakistan and Ceylon through the Standing...’
101. CABLEGRAM FROM HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON TO SPENDER: 18 September 1950; ‘London, 18 September 1950 34. PRIORITY SECRET Consultative Committee The Committee has practically finished drafting of all the Chapters set out in the synopsis1 except— (a) Chapter 15, Sources of Finance. (b) Chapter 16, Relations with non-Commonwealth countries, liaison with United Nations, etc. 2. Uncertainty about the response of non-Commonwealth...’
102. CABLEGRAM FROM TANGE TO SPENDER: 20 September 1950; ‘London, 20 September 1950 38. CONFIDENTIAL PRIORITY United Kingdom, Canadian, Indian and Australian Delegations have privately discussed the concluding financial chapter of the Report. 2. Requirements of external aid to meet the balance can now be summarised as follows: (figures in £millions sterling) External Finance needed 6 years. External...’
103. MINUTES OF INTERDEPARTMENTAL COMMITTEE MEETING: 20 September 1950; ‘20 September, 1950 The meeting convened at 10.30 a.m. Those present were:— C.S.I.R.O. Mr. C. Donald Department of the Treasury Mr. N.R. Caffin _Department of Labour & National Service_Mr. H.A. BlandMr. E.P. ElthamMr. B.K. Phelan Commonwealth Office of Education Mr. C D. RowleyMr. C.R. Morrison Public Service Board Mr. J.E....’
104. CABLEGRAM FROM MENZIES TO SPENDER: 22 September 1950; ‘Canberra, 22 September 1950 414.SECRET IMMEDIATE Commonwealth Consultative Committee Thank you for your message No. S79 and 4277 of 8th September2 concerned largely with the coming meeting of the British Commonwealth Consultative Committee on aid to South and South East Asia. 2. I fully appreciate the significance of the coming...’
105. CABLEGRAM FROM WATT TO SPENDER: 25 September 1950; ‘Canberra, 25 September 1950 4648. RESTRICTED IMMEDIATE W.108 Technical Assistance Further to my W.90 of 17th September2 you may find useful in discussions on technical assistance programmes the following information regarding measures we are taking here to make fullest possible contribution. 1. Despite pressing Australian needs in regard to development...’
106. CABLEGRAM FROM SPENDER TO MENZIES: 26 September 1950; ‘London, 26 September 1950 4627. RESTRICTED The Consultative Committee today approved the August report of the Standing Committee on Technical Assistance which provides a constitution for an organisation which will be responsible for the provision of technical assistance under the Commonwealth scheme. 2. The proposals contained in the report and...’
107. CABLEGRAM FROM SPENDER TO MENZIES: 27 September 1950; ‘London, 27 September 1950 4671. IMMEDIATE Your 414 to New York1 Consultative Committee I am grateful for your message and I shall attempt to give my views on the points which you raise, all of which I agree are relevant to consideration of what Australia can afford as part of...’
108. CABLEGRAM FROM SPENDER TO MENZIES: 30 September 1950; ‘London, 30 September 1950 4746. CONFIDENTIAL PRIORITY Commonwealth Consultative Committee The meeting of Commonwealth M inisters adjourned yesterday with the report more or less in final shape with the intention of re-assembling next week in order to finalise the report after there have been discussions with non-Commonwealth countries. It has...’
109. CABLEGRAM FROM MENZIES TO SPENDER: 1 October 1950; ‘Canberra, 1 October 1950 4805. CONFIDENTIAL IMMEDIATE Your telegram 4671 of 28th September.1 Consultative Committee. Developmental programme. I have read your telegram with interest, because for the first time it enables me to focus the problem as a whole and because it contains a concrete recommendation based upon certain specific...’
110. CABLEGRAM FROM SPENDER TO MENZIES: 2 October 1950; ‘New York, 2 October 1950 583. SECRET IMMEDIATE PERSONAL S. 125 Consultative Committee 1. I did not receive the full text of your 48051 until I reached New York yesterday. Endeavoured to reach you on the phone last evening and this morning but without success. Will try again this evening....’
111. MINUTE FROM WHEELER TO FADDEN: 4 October 1950; ‘Canberra, 4 October 1950 CONFIDENTIAL South-East Asian Aid Programme 1. I refer to Mr. Spender’s telegrams to Mr. Menzies regarding the Australian contribution to this programme.1 2. Before you left Canberra last Friday I spoke to you on the telephone and obtained your decisions regarding the Treasury attitude to a...’
112. CABLEGRAM FROM MCCARTHY TO MPENDER: 4 October 1950; ‘London, 4 October 1950 4822. CONFIDENTIAL IMMEDIATE Three meetings have been held with representatives of the non-Commonwealth countries in what appeared to be a responsive atmosphere. The non-Commonwealth representatives and in particular the Indonesian and Burmese Ambassadors, asked a number of questions. The main interest seemed to be in: (a)...’
113. CABLEGRAM FROM MCCARTHY TO SPENDER: 4 October 1950; ‘London, 4 October 1950 4829. CONFIDENTIAL PRIORITY Final session of the Commonwealth Consultative Committee concluded this morning. Officials will have to spend a few days in tidying up report and there will be a meeting of officials on Technical Assistance tomorrow morning. 2. United Kingdom reported that the United States...’
114. MEMORANDUM BY DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 October 1950; ‘Canberra, 4 October 1950 SECRET Departmental Notes on the London Meeting of the Commonwealth Consultative Committee. September 6 to October 4,1950. The following appendices are attached to this report:— (1) Position of non-Commonwealth countries: Summary of Recommendations by Officials. (2) Continuing Organisation—Note Prepared by Officials. FOREWORD 2. These departmental notes...’
115. CABLEGRAM FROM HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 October 1950; ‘London, 5 October 1950 Commonwealth Liaison Committee Popular version of the South East Asia report 1. Commonwealth Consultative Committee at Ministerial level decided yesterday that production of popular version of report be undertaken immediately. Subject to proviso that sufficient United States support is likely to be forthcoming to ensure that...’
116. CABLEGRAM FROM GORDON WALKER TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 19 October 1950; ‘London, 19 October 1950 199. SECRET IMMEDIATE Colombo Plan 1. As you well know there was general agreement at London Conference that the Consultative Committee report should be published when the Commonwealth Governments had approved it. But, in recognition of the interest of the United States administration in the timing...’
117. MEMORANDUM FROM DOIG TO TREASURY: 24 October 1950; ‘Canberra, 24 October 1950 At the recent Conference in London, of the Commonwealth Consultative Committee, it was agreed that representatives of the Commonwealth governments should recommend the publication of a popular version of the Colombo Plan for Co-operative Economic Development in South and South-East Asia, provided the Plan was approved...’
118. MEMORANDUM FROM SCHNEIDER TO WATT: 31 October 1950; ‘Canberra, 31 October 1950 Subject: South-East Asia Technical Assistance Programme—Training Awards Reference: Your memorandum of 30/10/502 The Board is in general agreement with the principle of offering a number of awards, and of obtaining nominations, before actually reaching a decision as to whether an award will be granted. The Scheme...’
119. CABLEGRAM FROM GORDON WALKER TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 7 November 1950; ‘London, 7 November 1950 206. SECRET IMMEDIATE Publication of the Colombo Plan Because of the views of the Australian Government set out in their telegram 2262 we have further consulted the United States Administration and have ascertained from them that they would have no objection to deferring publication for a...’
120. CABLEGRAM FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON: 10 November 1950; ‘Canberra, 10 November 1950 5615. SECRET IMMEDIATE Publication of Colombo Plan Please see our telegram No. 235 despatched today to Commonwealth Relations Office1 in reply to their 206,2 especially last paragraph of our telegram under reference dealing with popular version. 2. In your telegram 4867 of 5th October,3 it was...’
121. LETTER FROM MARJORIBANKS TO BROWN: 13 November 1950; ‘Canberra, 13 November 1950 CONFIDENTIAL In connection with the recent meeting in London of Commonwealth Prime Ministers, I enclose a copy of a message from the Chancellor of the Exchequer2 which I should be grateful if you could arrange to transmit to the appropriate Commonwealth Minister. Attachment PRIME MINISTERS’ MEETINGS...’
122. ABLEGRAM FROM RITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 November 1950; ‘Djakarta, 21 November 1950 602. SECRET The Prime Minister and acting Foreign Minister, Natsir,1 this morning appeared extremely sympathetic to the capital development and technical cooperation programmes for South and South East Asia. Natsir confirmed my impression that the Indonesians want to go lowly and would prefer in the first...’
123. CABLEGRAM FROM GORDON WALKER TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 24 November 1950; ‘London, 24 November 1950 221. SECRET Colombo Plan We have been giving careful consideration here to the question of making public announcement on the extent to which the United Kingdom is able to contribute to the fulfilment of the plan. You will recall that original feeling was that there was...’
124. CABLEGRAM FROM CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 November 1950; ‘Jakarta, 25 November 1950 614. SECRET Generally speaking Indonesians have been interested in and receptive of the Colombo Plan but are cautious and anxious to avoid any suggestion of political commitment. Discussions have also been limited by the absence of economic ministers and officials at the Union1 Conference at The...’
125. SUBMISSION FROM SPENDER TO CABINET: 1 December 1950; ‘Canberra, December 1950 37A. CONFIDENTIAL The Colombo Plan for Co-operative Economic Development in South and South-East Asia A. INTRODUCTION 1. On November 28th last I presented to the House the report of the Commonwealth Consultative Committee on South and South-East Asia, and indicated that an announcement would shortly be made...’
126. MEMORANDUM BY TANGE: 15 December 1950; ‘Washington, 15 December 1950 Points about Colombo Plan of Interest to Australia The following appear to me personally to be aspects of the Colombo Plan which might be discussed wherever the opportunity arises with the Americans. On some of these matters there is no definite Australian policy decision and directions...’
127. CABLEGRAM FROM GORDON WALKER TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 16 December 1950; ‘London, 16 December 1950 228. SECRET IMMEDIATE Colombo Plan We have been handed by United States Embassy an informal memorandum on Colombo Plan2 and we understand that a similar memorandum has been communicated to all members of the Consultative Committee. 2. We regard this response by the United States Government...’
128. UNITED STATES MEMORANDUM ON COLOMBO PLAN: 1 December 1950; ‘Canberra, December 1950 CONFIDENTIAL U.S. Memorandum on Colombo Plan The United States Government is fully aware of the aspirations of the countries of South and South East Asia in the field of economic development. It understands the need for such development and has independently given much study to the nature...’
129. TELEGRAM FROM AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT: 20 December 1950; ‘Canberra, 20 December 1950 254. SECRET IMMEDIATE Your 228.1 Colombo Plan 1. We agree to proposal that an invitation be issued by United Kingdom Government on behalf of members of Consultative Committee to United States of America Government asking them to be represented at meeting of Consultative Committee in first...’
130. PAPER BY DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: December 1950; ‘Canberra, December 1950 The Economic Objectives of Policy towards South and South East Asia INTRODUCTION 1. Agriculture is the basic need for all countries in the region, both as a source of food and of export earnings. 2. International assistance will therefore be concerned mainly with— (a) supplying food; (b)...’
131. PRESS RELEASE BY DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 December 1950; ‘Canberra, 20 December 1950 Statement by Minister for External Affairs, the Hon. P C. Spender, on Australia’s Financial Contribution to the Colombo Plan for Co-operative Economic Development in South and South East Asia The Minister for External Affairs, the Hon. P.C. Spender, announced today that the Commonwealth Government had now...’
132. NOTE BY TANGE: 3 January 1951; ‘Canberra, 3 January 1951 Colombo Plan I visited Washington on December 15th and the Embassy arranged for me to have a discussion with five or six officers of the various bureaux and divisions interested in the Colombo Plan. Willard Thorp1 was absent from Washington. The persons concerned were not at...’
133. LETTER FROM GAITSKELL TO MENZIES: 9 January 1951; ‘London, 9 January 1951 Colombo Plan Finance When we met on Friday night1 I promised to let you have a draft note on the finance of the Colombo Plan as we saw it at the moment. I now enclose an aide-memoire which has been prepared by my officials for this...’
134. CABLEGRAM FROM GORDON WALKER TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 11 January 1951; ‘London, 11 January 1951 9. SECRET Following is text of Foreign Office telegram addressed Washington No. 119 of 10th January repeated for information to the Governments of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan and Ceylon. Begins— Basis. The United States Government recently expressed to the Commonwealth Governments concerned their interest...’
135. CABLEGRAM FROM GORDON WALKER TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 16 January 1951; ‘London, 16 January 1951 13. SECRET PRIORITY My telegram 75 16th December to Government of Canada and other Commonwealth Governments concerned variously numbered.2 Colombo Plan 1. In paragraph 5 of telegram it was suggested that one of the main objects of the proposed meeting of the Consultative Committee might be...’
136. CABLEGRAM FROM GOVERNMENT OF CEYLON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 16 January 1951; ‘Colombo, 16 January 1951 2. SECRET IMMEDIATE Reference CROSEC telegram of 16th December addressed to you No. 228.1 Colombo Plan: Next meeting of Consultative Committee The Government of Ceylon as Convenor, has pleasure in inviting your Government to send a delegate to a meeting of the Consultative Committee proposed to...’
137. LETTER FROM MENZIES TO GAITSKELL: 17 January 1951; ‘London, 17 January 1951 Colombo Plan Finance I have received your letter of the 9th January, 1951, enclosing an aide-memoire on the subject of financing the Colombo Plan.1 I shall, of course, transmit this aide-memoire to Canberra where it will receive the fullest consideration. I note in paragraph 8 of...’
138. MEMORANDUM FROM DOIG TO MEERE: 17 January 1951; ‘Canberra, 17 January 1951 With reference to the meeting of the Committee on Friday next at 10 a.m. in this Department to consider Australia’s contribution to the Colombo Plan, it would be appreciated if the attached notes could be brought to the attention of your representative so that he will...’
139. LETTER FROM MENZIES TO GAITSKELL: 17 January 1951; ‘London, 17 January 1951 In my reply to your letter of 9th January, 1951, on the finance of the Colombo Plan,1 I said that I was not in a position at the time to make any promise that the Australian contribution could be increased, but that I would have the...’
140. CABLEGRAM FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF CEYLON TO THE GOVERNMENT OF AUSTRALIA: 22 January 1951; ‘Colombo, 22 January 1951 4. IMMEDIATE SECRET Colombo Plan Your telegram No. 9.2 Invitations to non-Commonwealth countries. Our invitations to the Governments of Thailand, Philippines, Cambodia, Viet Nam and Laos may now be transmitted as amended by the deletion of the first sentence of paragraph 2 of the draft suggested...’
141. CABLEGRAM FROM GORDON WALKER TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 24 January 1951; ‘London, 24 January 1951 20. CONFIDENTIAL Following is text of Foreign Office telegram addressed to Washington…1 Colombo Plan – Role of International Bank Commonwealth Governments participating in Colombo Plan have been considering how best to associate International Bank with Consultative Committee in view of important part which they hope Bank...’
142. CABLEGRAM FROM AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO GOVERNMENT OF CEYLON: 24 January 1951; ‘Canberra, 24 January 1951 3. SECRET IMMEDIATE Your No. 2 of 16th January.1 Colombo Plan – Next Meeting of Consultative Committee The Australian Government accepts with thanks your invitation to send a delegation at the official level to the meeting of the Consultative Committee in Colombo commencing 12th February. The...’
143. CABLEGRAM FROM GORDON WALKER TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 25 January 1951; ‘London, 25 January 1951 SECRET PRIORITY Colombo Plan: Next Meeting of Consultative Committee In view of the important part that science and technology have to play in the Colombo Plan, we have been considering possible means of using them to best advantage and would like to suggest that this subject...’
144. CABLEGRAM FROM HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 January 1951; ‘London, 25 January 1951 RESTRICTED Colombo Meeting of Commonwealth Consultative Committee Following is information obtained from Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations, and Treasury Officials recently. Agenda. So far Ceylon Government has not circulated a full agenda. Opinion here is that non-Commonwealth countries should receive this to. allow of adequate...’
145. CABLEGRAM FROM CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 6 February 1951; ‘Colombo, 6 February 1951 SECRET Colombo Plan A secret United States mission has been touring India (about two weeks), Pakistan (about two weeks) and Ceylon (about one week) in connexion with the plan. The mission which was headed by Loftus,1 State Department, and included Turnage,2 Treasury and Bunting3 (ECA), has...’
146. CABLEGRAM FROM GOVERNMENT OF CEYLON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 6 February 1951; ‘Colombo, 6 February 1951 SECRET IMMEDIATE Colombo Plan: Meeting of Consultative Committee In the light of suggestions made, the agenda for the forthcoming meeting may include— (a) A review of developments since the previous meeting of the Committee. This will include statements by each country on action taken since September...’
147. LETTER FROM QUINN TO SYMON: 8 February 1951; ‘London, 8 February 1951 CONFIDENTIAL With reference to the views on French and Dutch participation in the Colombo Plan which we have transmitted to you separately today,1 you will be aware that the Dutch have presented an aide memoire to Australia as well as to the United Kingdom and other...’
148. LETTER FROM QUINN TO SYMON: 8 February 1951; ‘London, 8 February 1951 Participation of France and the Netherlands in the Colombo Plan We have been asked to convey to the United Kingdom authorities the following views on the agenda item ‘Participation of non-Commonwealth countries outside the region, etc.’ While we support and would be prepared, if necessary, to...’
149. LETTER FROM SYMON TO QUINN: 9 February 1951; ‘London, 9 February 1951 SECRET Thank you for your letter of the 7th February in which you gave your Government’s views on French and Dutch participation in the Colombo Plan.1 You ask for our comments. I do not think I can do better than send you the attached note which...’
150. CABLEGRAM FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CRITCHLEY: 10 February 1951; ‘Canberra, 10 February 1951 SECRET IMMEDIATE For Critchley. Plane on which Gray1 is to travel has been delayed and he will probably not arrive until Tuesday or Wednesday. Gray is carrying brief, the main points of which are as follows: (a) Pre-conference discussion should be held by the Delegation with...’
151. BRIEF FOR AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION TO THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE, COLOMBO: February 1951; ‘Canberra, February 1951 SECRET A. GENERAL The full sessions of the conference will comprise representatives of participating Commonwealth Governments, (the U.K., Canada, India, Pakistan, Ceylon, New Zealand and Australia) and of the Governments of the U.S.A., Indonesia, Philippine Islands, Laos, Viet-Nam, Cambodia (Burma* and Thailand*).1 The status of the representatives...’
152. REPORT OF CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE: 20 February 1951; ‘Colombo, 20 February 1951 CONFIDENTIAL Report of Meeting of Consultative Committee on Economic Development in South and South-East Asia held in Colombo from February 13 to 20, 1951 The Consultative Committee on Economic Development in South and South-East Asia met in Colombo at official level on February 13, 1951. The...’
153. CABLEGRAM FROM CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 February 1951; ‘Colombo, 22 February 1951 IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED From Critchley. Meeting of the Committee finished Tuesday in much more cordial and optimistic atmosphere than seemed possible earlier. The Canadian contribution and the more enthusiastic statement by Kennedy made a considerable difference.1 The press communiqué has already been cabled in clear and report2...’
154. CABLEGRAM FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CRITCHLEY: 23 February 1951; ‘Canberra, 23 February 1951 CONFIDENTIAL We think you should plan to remain in Colombo several days for finalisation of your report and pending decision on the following suggestion, which is put to you for comment. In three or four weeks’ time it may be necessary for you to remain in...’
155. CABLEGRAM FROM CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 February 1951; ‘Colombo, 26 February 1951 103. Thank you for your telegram 77.1 I shall be glad to fit in with your suggestion but would recommend against more than a brief visit to Karachi while Government’s economic officials are pre-occupied with E.C.A.F.E. and its aftermath.2 I therefore suggest the following itinerary. (a)...’
156. NOTES ON CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING: 2 March 1951; ‘Canberra, 2 March 1951 SECRET Consultative Committee February 12th—20th FOREWORD The formal report1 of the Consultative Committee includes only those matters on which agreement was reached. Although the minutes provide a more comprehensive picture, they are not entirely satisfactory. Secretarial arrangements were inadequate and the reporting of the meeting in...’
157. CABLEGRAM FROM EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 6 March 1951; ‘Washington, 6 March 1951 RESTRICTED In the course of general discussion on Economic Aid for South and South East Asia, Malenbaum,1 Chief of the Investment and Economic Development Staff informally asked how we would feel if the United States were to consider any gift of food it may make to...’
158. MINUTE FROM DOIG TO SPENDER: 9 March 1951; ‘Canberra, 9 March 1951 Colombo Plan The following notes amplify those of the 6th March1 and suggest further action which you might consider taking in order to get the Plan under way. The Department’s appraisal of the results of the Consultative Committee’s ‘Tecent meeting is confirmed by the Australian Delegation’s...’
159. LETTER FROM FADDEN TO MENZIES: 15 March 1951; ‘Canberra, 15 March 1951 I refer to your letter of 17th January to the United Kingdom Chancellor of the Exchequer concerning a suggestion you received from him that Australia’s contribution to the Colombo Plan should be increased.1 As you will recall, Cabinet decided on 13th December, 1950, that Australia should...’
160. CABLEGRAM FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 22 March 1951; ‘Canberra, 22 March 1951 SECRET PRIORITY Your 323.1 We can see no objection to the U.S.A. gift of food being considered as part of the contribution to the Colombo Plan; in fact, such gifts would be consistent with the assumptions, and the types of assistance considered necessary, in the Colombo...’
161. CABLEGRAM FROM GOVERNMENT OF CEYLON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 29 March 1951; ‘Colombo, 29 March 1951 13. Begins:— Reference is requested to paragraph 20 of the report of the Consultative Committee Meeting1 held in Colombo in February in which the Government of Ceylon proposed a ‘Colombo Plan Exhibition’. It is presumed that the report of that meeting has by now been accepted...’
162. BRIEF FOR MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 April 1951; ‘Canberra, 4 April 1951 SECRET Colombo Plan—Australian Contribution The Australian Government have agreed to contribute A£31¼% million over the six year period Ist July, 1951, to 30th June, 1957, towards the economic development programme under the Colombo Plan. The Government also decided that they would contribute A£8¾% million during the...’
163. CABLEGRAM FROM EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 April 1951; ‘Washington, 9 April 1951 SECRET Your 2271 and our 458.2 Foreign Aid Following information based on discussion with Malenbaum and Turnage3 of Investment and Economic Development Staff, Department of State. Malenbaum expressed appreciation for your comments. While agreeing with views in your paragraph 2 he commented that India’s most urgent...’
164. CABLEGRAM FROM AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO GOVERNMENT OF CEYLON: 12 April 1951; ‘Canberra, 12 April 1951 9. The Australian Government wish to thank you for the invitation to participate in the proposed Colombo Plan Exhibition.1 This matter is receiving full and sympathetic consideration but in view of the dissolution of the Australian Parliament it will not be possible to make a final...’
165. CABLEGRAM FROM AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO GORDON WALKER: 13 April 1951; ‘Canberra, 13 April 1951 SECRET IMMEDIATE We have been giving further consideration to the steps which should be taken next in order to keep up the momentum of the Colombo Plan. In particular we have closely examined the possible ways of allocating our own contribution in the first year among...’
166. CABLEGRAM FROM GORDON WALKER TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 26 April 1951; ‘London, 26 April 1951 IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram No. 58, 13th April.1 Colombo Plan We too have been studying possible steps to keep up the momentum of the plan though our particular anxiety is centred as much on availabilities as on finanee. It seems to us that action called for...’
167. CABLEGRAM FROM GORDON WALKER TO GOVERNMENTS OF CEYLON, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, INDIA AND PAKISTAN: 3 May 1951; ‘London, 3 May 1951 CIRCULAR E8. CONFIDENTIAL PRIORITY Your telegram 481. Colombo Plan Exhibition When we indicated our readiness to participate (our telegram E42), it was on the assumption that the exhibition would be concerned specifically with the Colombo Plan— the progress made with the first stage and the results...’
168. CABLEGRAM FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 18 May 1951; ‘Canberra, 18 May 1951 SECRET PRIORITY Our 319,1 4222 and 4723 Colombo Plan The Australian Government proposes in the near future to make a decision concerning the allocation of their first year’s contribution of £A.8¾ million to the Economic Development Programme under the Colombo Plan, and then to commence discussions...’
169. CABLEGRAM FROM EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 May 1951; ‘Washington, 23 May 1951 Priority SECRET Your 544.1 Colombo Plan Following information is based on informal discussion with Malenbaum and Turnage of Investment and Economic Development Staff and Kennedy, Deputy Chief of Office of South Asian Affairs, who attended the last Colombo Conference. We communicated to them the Australian proposals,...’
170. SUBMISSION FROM CASEY TO CABINET: 25 May 1951; ‘Canberra, 25 May 1951 CONFIDENTIAL Australian Government’s Contribution to the Colombo Plan INTRODUCTION Cabinet decided on 13th December, 1950 that the Commonwealth Government would contribute towards the economic development programmes under the Colombo Plan, over the period July 1951 to June 1957, an amount of at least £25 million sterling...’
171. CABLEGRAM FROM HIGH COMMISSION IN OTTAWA TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 May 1951; ‘Ottawa, 26 May 1951 CONFIDENTIAL PRIORITY Your 881 and 91.2 Following are Canada Departmental views:— (a) Allocation. As you know, tentative Canadian allocation for 25 million dollars first year contribution is three-fifths to India and two-fifths to Pakistan. They have not received any request for assistance from Ceylon, but if...’
172. CABINET DECISION NO. 21: 29 May 1951; ‘Canberra, 29 May 1951 CONFIDENTIAL Submission No. 21—Australian Government’s Contribution to the Colombo Plan1 Cabinet re-affirmed its intention of devoting £8.75 m. (A) during 1951/52 towards the assistance of the countries of South East Asia. It recorded the opinion that assistance should, as far as possible, be given in the...’
173. LETTER FROM MARJORIBANKS TO BROWN: 4 June 1951; ‘Canberra, 4 June 1951 With reference to the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations telegram Circular E No. 8 of the 3rd May on the subject of the Colombo Plan Exhibition,1 I am directed by the High Commissioner to inform you that the High Commissioner for Ceylon in London2 discussed...’
174. MINUTE FROM TANGE TO CASEY: 8 June 1951; ‘Canberra, 8 June 1951 With reference to your note of fourth June1 inquiring as to the circulation of the United Kingdom Command Paper 80802 on the Colombo Plan and of our booklet ‘New Hope for Asia’,3 it is advised: Command Paper Some three hundred or more copies of the Command...’
175. CABLEGRAM FROM HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 June 1951; ‘New Delhi, 8 June 1951 SECRET Reference your telegram 131.1 Indian authorities today replied to your telegram under reference in the following sense. They gratefully accept offer of the Australian Government to supply under the Colombo Plan commodities and materials up to total of £4,200,000 over period July 1951 —...’
176. CABLEGRAM FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON: 16 June 1951; ‘Canberra, 16 June 1951 CONFIDENTIAL Proposal for Colombo Plan Exhibition has been examined by Inter-Departmental Committee and recommendations will shortly be made to Ministers.1 The Committee thinks that it is not desirable to attempt to organize an Exhibition, particularly of the kind apparently contemplated by the Ceylon Government, which is...’
177. CABLEGRAM FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON: 18 June 1951; ‘Canberra, 18 June 1951 RESTRICTED IMMEDIATE At previous meetings of the Council of Technical Co-operation at Colombo, the representative of the Government of Ceylon has been appointed President not only in recognition of his experience and qualities but also as a courtesy to the Government of Ceylon. It was agreed...’
178. CABLEGRAM FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON AND HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON: 29 June 1951; ‘Canberra, 29 June 1951 729, 3850. CONFIDENTIAL IMMEDIATE Colombo Plan American Embassy has informed us that U.K. had invited U.S. to attend meeting of Consultative Committee at official level in September or October— (a) to revise report; (b) to consider permanent secretariat: (c) to prepare for meeting of Ministers. U.S....’
179. CABLEGRAM FROM CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 June 1951; ‘Colombo, 29 June 1951 233. At to-day’s meeting it was agreed that there should be no new appointment of President of the Council and that Coomaraswamy1 should remain in office until next meeting. Report of Interim Administrator—document D_26 and addendum.2 It was decided with the approval of member Governments that...’
180. CABLEGRAM FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HIGH COMMISSION IN COLOMBO: 3 July 1951; ‘Colombo, 3 July 1951 RESTRICTED Your 233.1 Subject to certain reservations which need discussion and which are referred to in following cypher message our proposals at departmental level are as follows:— (1) that Australia mount an exhibit either separately or in contiguity with similar exhibits by other Colombo Plan participants....’
181. CABLEGRAM FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CRITCHLEY: 3 July 1951; ‘Canberra, 3 July 1951 RESTRICTED IMMEDIATE Your 2331 and our 2232 today. We are firmly of the opinion that it is not desirable at present to attempt an Exhibition directing attention principally to the Colombo Plan and possibilities of its implementation. For this reason and because of the kind of...’
182. CABLEGRAM FROM SPENDER TO CASEY: 6 July 1951; ‘Washington, 6 July 1951 CONFIDENTIAL Your 729.1 Colombo Plan Members of my staff have, at my direction, discussed proposed meeting of Consultative Committee with State Department Officials concerned including Malenbaum and Turnage, Chief, and Associate Chief, respectively of Investment and Economic Development staff; Merril Gay, Economic Adviser to Assistant Secretary...’
183. CABLEGRAM FROM EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 July 1951; ‘Washington, 16 July 1951 RESTRICTED PRIORITY Your 1185. Reference your 2(a). Please inform State Department we had no thought of raising question of Colombo Plan in General Assembly. Your assumption regarding staff shortage and necessity to fit in with other scheduled meetings correct. Your 2(iii) (b) (i). Ambiguity in our...’
184. LETTER FROM CASEY TO MENZIES: 19 July 1951; ‘Canberra, 19 July 1951 I would like to draw your attention to a problem which is becoming increasingly important and requires joint action by Commonwealth and State authorities—the welfare of Asian students in Australia. Australia is providing education for Asian students on a large from the students coming to Australia...’
185. CABLEGRAM FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI: 29 July 1951; ‘Canberra, 29 July 1951 158. RESTRICTED IMMEDIATE July 1st is the opening day in the period of six years for which Governments in South and South-East Asia prepared the economic programmes which were issued as the Colombo Plan Report. The Governments which together issued the report on economic development in...’
186. LETTER FROM GARNETT TO MENZIES: 2 August 1951; ‘Canberra, 2 August 1951 CONFIDENTIAL In my letter to you to-day1 about the proposal to hold a meeting of Commonwealth Finance Ministers early next January, I said that I would be writing separately about a ministerial meeting before or after the meeting of Finance Ministers. The Department of External Affairs...’
187. DRAFT SUBMISSION FROM MENZIES TO CABINET: 14 August 1951; ‘Canberra, 14 August 1951 At the meeting of the Consultative Committee on the Colombo Plan held in February, 1951, the Ceylon representative proposed that there should be held in Colombo early 1952, an exhibition of the resources, products and culture of the countries of South and South-East Asia and countries...’
188. CABLEGRAM FROM EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 August 1951; ‘Washington, 30 August 1951 1575. SECRET Colombo Plan Our 1427.1 British Embassy advise us they have received note from State Department stating— (a) If it is wish of all countries concerned to hold meeting at Ministerial level next January, United States will be pleased to attend. (b) Readiness to attend...’
189. LETTER FROM CASEY TO MENZIES: 6 September 1951; ‘Canberra, 6 September 1951 I have seen the letter of 2nd August, 1951,1 addressed to you by the United Kingdom High Commissioner in Canberra, concerning the next meeting of the Consultative Committee for South and South-east Asia. I suggest that the High Commissioner be informed that we agree, in principle,...’
190. MINUTES OF INTER DEPARTMENTAL MEETING: 21 September 1951; ‘Canberra, 21 September 1951 Economic Development Programme: Meeting held in the Department of External Affairs, on Friday 21st September, 1951, at 2 p.m. Present: Mr. W. T. Doig (Chairman) External Affairs Dr. J. W. C. Cumes External Affairs Mr. G. Warwick Smith Commerce & Agriculture Mr. B. Fleming Treasury...’
191. MEMORANDUM FROM DOIG TO EMBASSY IN JAKARTA: 21 September 1951; ‘Canberra, 21 September 1951 Colombo Plan—Co-ordination with the Specialised Agencies As you know, it is our intention to achieve the maximum co-ordination between our activities under the Colombo Plan and the activities of the United Nations and the Specialised Agencies. With this objective in view, we are asking our representatives...’
192. LETTER FROM CASEY TO DULEEPSINHJI: September 1951; ‘Canberra, September 1951 I have the honour to inform you that the Government of Australia has decided to offer to the Government of India a contribution towards its economic development programme under the Colombo Plan for Co-operative Economic Development in South and South East Asia. You will recall that, on...’
193. PRESS RELEASE BY DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 September 1951; ‘Canberra, 28 September 1951 Colombo Plan Exhibition The Minister for External Affairs, the Rt. Hon. R. G. Casey, announced today that Australia would participate in the Colombo Plan Exhibition to be held in Colombo from 15th February, 1952. The Government of Ceylon proposed at the meeting of the Consultative Committee...’
194. NOTE FROM ARNOTT TO CASEY: 1 September 1951; ‘September 1951 In your letter of 19th July1 to the Prime Minister regarding the welfare of Asian students in Australia, you referred to the danger of students becoming subject to Communist influences. A concrete example of this danger is to be found in the following: Last June the Chairman of...’
195. MEMORANDUM FROM BIRCH TO WATT: 3 October 1951; ‘New Delhi, 3 October 1951 Following receipt of your memorandum 439 of 15th September (file 2011/1),1 I have discussed the whole question of the supply of technical equipment to India with officials of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs) which, as you know, is the body responsible for...’
196. MEMORANDUM FROM BORTHWICK TO WATT: 10 October 1951; ‘Colombo, 10 October 1951 Colombo Plan—Provision of Technical Equipment I wish to acknowledge your memorandum No. 390 of 12th September (your file 2011/1)1 which reached us on 28th September. 2. The suggestion that we should try to do more in arranging the supply of equipment under our Technical Co-operation Programme...’
197. SAVINGRAM TO POSTS: 12 October 1951; ‘Canberra, 12 October 1951 Colombo Plan 1. During the recent visit to Australia of Indonesian Foreign Minister (Dr. Subardjo)2 and party, we took the opportunity of sounding out the Indonesians on participation in the Colombo Plan. 2. Dr. Subardjo gave a non-committal reply, but both he and his officials indicated...’
198. NOTE BY DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 October 1951; ‘Canberra, 17 October 1951 Colombo Plan: Administrative Arrangements The Australian contribution of £A31.25m. to the Colombo Plan economic development programme over the next six years presents a substantial administrative task of procurement. The first-year contribution of £8.75m. will be made available largely in the form of wheat and flour; but...’
199. MEMORANDUM FROM GILCHRIST TO WATT: 18 October 1951; ‘Jakarta, 18 October 1951 Technical Assistance Co-ordination I refer to your Circular memorandum No. 440 of 21st September, 1951, (your file 2081/1 )2 and to the last paragraph of our Despatch No. New Series 4/51 of 8th October.3 2. I discussed the substance of your above mentioned Circular memorandum for...’
200. MEMORANDUM BY WILSON: 18 October 1951; ‘Colombo, 18 October 1951 Report on Operation of Technical Co-operation Scheme I circulate herewith a Memorandum by the President1 suggesting that a report on the working of the Technical Co-operation Scheme should be prepared for consideration by the next meeting of the Consultative Committee and inclusion in its Annual Report....’
201. DISPATCH FROM BORTHWICK TO CASEY: 19 October 1951; ‘Colombo, 19 October 1951 Council for Technical Co-operation As mentioned in my cable No. 2761 of today’s date I have the honour to advise that this body’s agenda for next week’s meeting, a copy of which is forwarded in this mail, includes an item dealing with the preparation of a...’
202. SAVINGRAM TO POSTS: 19 October 1951; ‘Canberra, 19 October 1951 RESTRICTED Technical Co-operation Programme We have formed tentative conclusions as to the share of Australian technical assistance contribution which might be allocated for purposes other than training of personnel and sending of experts. We think it desirable that an Australian representative should visit India, Pakistan and...’
203. CABLEGRAM FROM WATT TO SPENDER: 9 November 1951; ‘Canberra, 9 November 1951 1412. Confidential 1. United Kingdom recently instructed its ambassadors in Rangoon, Bangkok, Manila, and Djakarta to approach formally or informally governments to which they are accredited with view to securing their participation in Colombo Plan. 2. Our view was that, in order to avoid appearance of...’
204. MEMORANDUM FROM GILCHRIST TO WATT: 30 November 1951; ‘Jakarta, 30 November 1951 Indonesia and the Colombo Plan Yesterday the head of the General Affairs Division of the Indonesian Foreign Ministry (Mr. Tjokroadisumarto), accompanied by two of his assistants, called at the Embassy to ask first of all, the specific question: ‘Is the course in Port Control which has...’
205. CABLEGRAM FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN JAKARTA: 10 December 1951; ‘Canberra, 10 December 1951 402. SECRET PRIORITY Your memorandum 6661 and sub-paragraph 1. Desire you to assure the Indonesian authorities that participation in technical co-operation programme and membership council is quite possible without participation in economic development programme and membership of the Consultative Committee. Technical cooperation programme was instituted earlier...’
206. TELEGRAM FROM LORD ISMAY TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 18 December 1951; ‘London, 18 December 1951 CIRCULAR E14 .CONFIDENTIAL PRIORITY Arrangements for next meeting of Consultative Committee In a personal message to the Finance Ministers in other Commonwealth countries conveyed through United Kingdom High Commissioners in November, regarding arrangements for the forthcoming Finance Ministers Meeting, the Chancellor of the Exchequer promised a...’
207. LETTER FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO INDONESIAN MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS: 21 December 1951; ‘Jakarta, 21 December 1951 The Australian Embassy presents its compliments to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, and has the honour to provide a clarification, in reply to the enquiry in the Ministry’s Note (No. 62647)1 of 4th December, regarding the connection between certain training facilities...’
208. MEMORANDUM FROM PLIMSOLL TO EMBASSY IN JAKARTA: 28 December 1951; ‘Canberra, 28 December 1951 CONFIDENTIAL Reference is made to your memoranda Nos. 666 of 30th November,1 and 687 of 6th December,2 raising a number of points regarding offers made to Indonesia for training in Australia, and in regard to the broader question of participation by Indonesia in the Colombo Plan....’
209. NOTE FROM TANGE TO CASEY: December 1951; ‘Canberra, December 1951 Colombo Plan From the Australian point of view, the Plan has yet to succeed. We conceived it as a means of stimulating tangible aid (particularly from U.S.) in those countries of Asia most vulnerable to economic collapse and to Communism. We also conceived it as a means...’
210. NOTE BY CUMES: 8 January 1952; ‘Canberra, 8 January 1952 The Colombo Plan: Present Status of the Australian Effort 1. The Economic Development Programme The Australian achievements under the Economic Development Programme so far are: (i) The whole of the wheat and flour allocation of £A3.7 million for India has been shipped or firmly ordered. (All...’
211. CABLEGRAM FROM AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ISMAY: 10 January 1952; ‘Canberra, 10 January 1952 6. CONFIDENTIAL Consultative Committee Your E. 14.1 We agree with the proposal to hold next meeting of Consultative Committee in Karachi on 24th March and have so informed Pakistan Government. As you suggest, meeting of officials could be about a fortnight earlier with date for despatch...’
212. CABLEGRAM FROM EMBASSY IN JAKARTA TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 January 1952; ‘Jakarta, 11 January 1952 28. RESTRICTED Tjokroadisumarto, Head of the General Affairs Section of the Foreign Ministry asked me 8th January to discuss the basis of Australia’s offer of scholarships for 1952 to Indonesia in relation to the Colombo Plan. He asked for elucidation of the Embassy note of 21st...’
213. CABLEGRAM FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON: 16 January 1952; ‘Canberra, 16 January 1952 185. PRIORITY For External. Your 135.1 The Australian exhibition at Colombo will cover an area of 5000 square feet. Its theme will be that of the Colombo Plan, namely friendship, cooperation, cultural and technical assistance, and trade. It will show by media of films, illustrations, photographs...’
214. CABLEGRAM FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HIGH COMMISSION IN COLOMBO: 24 January 1952; ‘Canberra, 24 January 1952 70. PRIORITY Your I.1 Please convey following message from Prime Minister— I am pleased to express on behalf of the Government and people of Australia our best wishes for success of the Colombo Exhibition[.T]2he initiative and contribution of the Ceylon Government in arranging the exhibition have...’
215. CABLEGRAM FROM GOVERNMENT OF PAKISTAN TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 6 February 1952; ‘Karachi, 6 February 1952 623. IMMEDIATE SECRET Consultative Committee 2. 1The Government of Pakistan is grateful for the acceptance of their invitation to hold the next meeting of the Consultative Committee at Karachi. The Ministerial meeting will commence Monday March 24th and last probably until March 31st. Officials’ meeting will...’
216. DISPATCH FROM GOLLAN TO CASEY: 6 February 1952; ‘New Delhi, 6 February 1952 In my memorandum 871 of 31st December, 1951, to the Department2 I referred to the regular meetings held in New Delhi between representatives of British Commonwealth countries and officials of the Government of India International Aid Co-ordination Unit to discuss Colombo Plan matters of common...’
217. CABLEGRAM FROM SPENDER TO CASEY: 15 February 1952; ‘Washington, 15 February 1952 230. CONFIDENTIAL Colombo Plan I have seen Savingram No.8 to the Department from Ottawa1 and am taking the liberty of raising the following considerations since the Canadian approach to the questions of secretariat and aiding new members has caused me some concern. 2. My personal view...’
218. CABLEGRAM FROM WATT TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 March 1952; ‘Singapore, 8 March 1952 230. CONFIDENTIAL IMMEDIATE Consultative Committee Meeting 1. Munro was told I believe by Dr. Benham,1 Singapore delegate to the Meeting of Officials, that he had instructions apparently from the United Kingdom to support any proposal directed towards participation of Japan in the Colombo Plan although Singapore...’
219. MINUTE FROM PRITCHETT TO HARRY: 10 March 1952; ‘Canberra, 10 March 1952 Japan and the Colombo Plan 1. In considering the possibility that certain Asian countries may suggest Japanese participation in the Colombo Plan the following factors appear relevant: A. Japan s position as the foremost industrial Asian country i.) Whether or not Japan participates in the Colombo...’
220. MINUTE FROM PRITCHETT TO HARRY: 12 March 1952; ‘Canberra, 12 March 1952 The question is what to do with £2� million Economic Development Funds as yet unallocated in the present year. Possible alternatives are: to allocate it all to Indo-China, thus giving Burma nothing, having nothing to offer Indonesia should it join the Plan, and indirectly depriving India,...’
221. CABLEGRAM FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HIGH COMMISSION IN KARACHI: 14 March 1952; ‘Canberra, 14 March 1952 80. SECRET PRIORITY Your 871 Japan and Colombo Plan 1. Over long term a case can be made for participation of Japan in order to encourage export priorities and financial assistance to recipient countries in area. In next year or two it seems doubtful whether Japan’s...’
222. MINUTE FROM HARRY TO TANGE: 14 March 1952; ‘Canberra, 14 March 1952 Technical Aid for South-East Asia You asked me a few days ago to let you have our views on the. allocation of technical aid funds between Indo-China, Indonesia, Burma. You may have already had to make decisions but the following are some broad political considerations for...’
223. MINUTE FROM MANGE TO CASEY: 18 March 1952; ‘Canberra, 18 March 1952 Use of Sale Proceeds of Australian Supplies India has voluntarily offered to use the sale proceeds of Australian wheat on projects of our choosing. The attached paper covers the pros and cons of adopting their suggestion for a revolving fund. The question needs further consideration in...’
224. MINUTE FROM TANGE TO CASEY: 18 March 1952; ‘Canberra, 18 March 1952 Karachi Conference: Development of Australian Training Programme This side of our programme is going well. Out of 260 fellowships and scholarships offered to India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Ceylon, and the 5 British territories, we have received 194 nominations, made 116 awards, and 98 persons are in Australia...’
225. PAPER BY TANGE: 19 March 1952; ‘Canberra, 19 March 1952 SECRET Political objectives of the Colombo Plan 1. In any public discussion of the Colombo Plan, it is desirable to avoid any reference to the political and strategic objectives of the Plan, or at least to make such references only in the most cautious terms. At...’
226. MINUTE FROM ARNOTT TO CASEY: 19 March 1952; ‘Canberra, 19 March 1952 Attitude of Participants in Colombo Plan Recently we asked our missions to report on the attitudes of the Colombo Plan recipient countries towards the Plan. It will be seen from the following summary of replies that the reactions have varied. In most cases, general popular appreciation...’
227. CABLEGRAM FROM HIGH COMMISSION IN PAKISTAN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 March 1952; ‘Karachi, 21 March 1952 103. CONFIDENTIAL Consultative Committee of Japan and Colombo Plan 1. United Kingdom delegation reports that Morrow,1 head of programme planning division E.S.S. (S.C.A.P.) approached their embassy with the suggestion that an invitation might be issued to the Supreme Commander to send an observer (probably Morrow himself)...’
228. PAPER BY DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 March 1952; ‘Canberra, 27 March 1952 The main objection to the Colombo Plan is that on its economic development side it will not for some time be able to do what it set out to do, give the ‘opportunity to less economically developed areas of the world to raise themselves to the...’
229. CABLEGRAM FROM CASEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 March 1952; ‘Karachi, 29 March 1952 121. CONFIDENTIAL PRIORITY 1. Consultative Committee adjourned March 28th. 2. Report prepared by officials was adopted with a number of minor changes.1 3. Committee affirmed decisions of officials previously reported. 4. Regarding Ceylon’s proposal for cultural exchange, Committee furnished view that this desirable activity could be...’
230. NOTE BY PAKISTAN DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE: 10 May 1952; ‘Karachi, 10 May 1952 Colombo Plan: Report of the Consultative Committee The report on the progress of the Colombo Plan prepared at the Karachi meeting of its Consultative Committee held towards the end of March, 1952, says that the Plan had a ‘good start’. The meeting at Karachi was attended...’
231. PAPER BY DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 June 1952; ‘Canberra, June 1952 SECRET Previous discussions 1. The Department has already discussed with the Department of the Treasury working papers designed to establish the estimates required for 1952/3. 2. In these papers, the Department reduced the estimate for Colombo Plan Economic Development substantially below the estimate for 1951/2 (to £5.75m....’
232. CABLEGRAM FROM HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 July 1952; ‘New Delhi, 30 July 1952 190. RESTRICTED Economic Developments Your telegram 153.1 Indian Authorities are assembling a list of equipment needed for Tungabhadra2 and Malampuzha3 projects; in respect of both pounds 500,000 available from last year and whatever sum is forthcoming for the present year. Could a rough figure of...’
233. NOTE BY DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 August 1952; ‘Canberra, [August]1 1952 CONFIDENTIAL Note on Australian Political Objectives and Methods in Asia Broad objectives of Western policy The four broad political objectives which must underlie ‘Western’ and consequently Australian policy in Asia might be stated briefly as follows: (a) To ensure that China does not become inseparably linked with...’
234. MEMORANDUM BY DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: August 1952; ‘Canberra, [August]1 1952 A General Appraisal of the Colombo Plan PART 1. THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE The Annual Report of the Consultative Committee was prepared at Karachi less than a year after the Economic Development Programme officially began in July, 1951, and about eighteen months after the...’
235. MEMORANDUM FROM GILCHRIST TO WATT: 21 August 1952; ‘Jakarta, 21 August 1952 CONFIDENTIAL Indonesia and the Colombo Plan The British Embassy have the strong impression that the Indonesian Government has recently reached an informal decision that Indonesia should participate in all or part of the Colombo Plan, and that the announcement of a formal decision by the Indonesian...’
236. PRESS RELEASE BY DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 August 1952; ‘Canberra, 22 August 1952 Statement by the Minister for External Affairs The Minister for External Affairs, the Rt. Hon. R.G. Casey, announced today that the Australian Government, in association with the Australian Red Cross Society, would provide assistance under the Colombo Plan for the Federation of Malaya’s Scheme under which...’
237. MEMORANDUM FROM GILCHRIST TO WATT: 25 August 1952; ‘Jakarta, 25 August 1952 Indonesia and the Colombo Plan The Foreign Minister, Mr. Mukarto,1 told me on 22nd August (at a British Embassy dinner in honour of Mr. Malcolm Macdonald) that— (a) he had submitted to Cabinet a proposal for Indonesian participation in the Colombo Plan; (b) he personally was...’
238. MINUTE BY BIRCH: 17 September 1952; ‘17 September 1952 Minute on Visit to Tungabhadra Project From September 4th–8th I visited the Tungabhadra Irrigation-cum-Power Development Project on the border of Madras and Hyderabad States. I lived with Indian engineers on the dam-site, discussing their programmes and securing specifications which will be forwarded to Australia. As a result...’
239. SUBMISSION FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CASEY: October 1952; ‘October 1952 Colombo Plan—Assistance to Technical Institutions 1. It was decided on 14th April, 1951 that Australian technical assistance should include not merely provision of experts and training facilities, but also equipment and financial assistance for approved institutions. This is in line with the practice of United Nations organisations and...’
240. PRESS RELEASE BY DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 October 1952; ‘P.R. 58. 9 October 1952 Colombo Plan—New Programme of Australian Supplies The Minister for External Affairs (the Rt. Hon. R.G. Casey) announced today that the Australian Government would, during the current financial year, apply Australia’s financial contribution under the Colombo Plan to an enlarged programme of supplies of Australian-manufactured goods....’
241. MEMORANDUM FROM FURLONGER TO GILCHRIST: 13 January 1953; ‘Canberra, 13 January, 1953 CONFIDENTIAL Colombo Plan and Indonesia2 With reference to your telegram No. 103, the following general information is submitted as a guide to the Department in its consideration of possible ways of giving Indonesia early assistance under the Colombo Plan. This memorandum is based on discussions which...’
242. CABLEGRAM FROM FURLONGER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 January 1953; ‘Jakarta, 15 January 1953 29. CONFIDENTIAL Colombo Plan The Acting Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sudjono, told me on 15th January that the procedure for formally advising member Governments of Indonesian decision was still under consideration.1 Advice would be sent ‘as soon as possible’. Meanwhile it had not...’
243. MINUTE FROM LOVEDAY TO CASEY: 16 January 1953; ‘Canberra, 16 January 1953 A Mr. Rigg of International Harvester Company (holding the job previously held by Mr. Bacon) called this morning and in your absence spoke to me. Some time ago dollars were made available by the Government to the Joint Coal Board for the purchase of 100 tractors....’
244. MEMORANDUM FROM DEXTER TO WATT: 12 February 1953; ‘Colombo, 12 February 1953 Economic Development Programme of Colombo Plan—Additional Aid in 1952/53 for Ceylon—Conference with Sir Oliver Goonetilleke Reference is made to our telegram 322 of 11th February, 1953, regarding the Ceylon Government’s suggestion how the extra money might be best used. 2. The High Commissioner3 had a long...’
245. DISPATCH FROM CROCKER TO CASEY: 19 February 1953; ‘New Delhi, 19 February 1953 I have the honour to refer to Telegram No. 8 of 14th January2 asking me to use the occasion of my recent visit to Hyderabad to look into the Tungabhadra Scheme, to evaluate its economic significance and to report on its progress. 2. I was...’
246. LETTER FROM ZAFRULLAH KHAN TO CASEY: 17 March 1953; ‘Karachi, 17 March 1953 As you are aware, our wheat crop harvested in 1952 was short by about 950,000 tons and we had to import over 800,000 tons this year to meet our minimum requirements. I gather that the prospects of the new crop are even more gloomy and we...’
247. LETTER FROM CASEY TO CROCKER: 25 March 1953; ‘Canberra, 25 March 1953 PERSONAL CONFIDENTIAL I am a little disturbed by the fact that the Colombo Plan is not notably popular in the Cabinet or amongst the supporters of the Government here – I suppose understandably by reason of the fact that it represents a few million pounds of...’
248. LETTER FROM CASEY TO MENZIES: 27 March 1953; ‘Canberra, 27 March 1953 Because of the current serious food shortage in Pakistan and the severely adverse balance of payments, we have been under pressure from the Government of Pakistan to make available large quantities of wheat—amounting to 200,000 tons in all—as a Colombo Plan gift or under short-term loan....’
249. SAVINGRAM TO POSTS: 30 March 1953; ‘Canberra, 30 March 1953 CONFIDENTIAL 1. Council for Technical Co-operation—appointment of Director of Bureau. 2. The Council has agreed that nominations should close on 15th May for the position of Director to be vacated by the retirement of Mr. Geoffrey Wilson. 3. We have considered putting forward the name of...’
250. MINUTE FROM CASEY TO PLIMSOLL: 8 April 1953; ‘Canberra, 8 April 1953 I took the opportunity in Sydney this morning of going to see the Food Technology Section of the New South Wales University of Technology, at Kensington. A Mr. Ayscough is in charge of it—a sensible youngish man. The Colombo Plan students were not there at the...’
251. LETTER FROM CROCKER TO CASEY: 25 April 1953; ‘New Delhi, 25 April 1953 Notes on Colombo Plan Aid in India1 Efficacy of Colombo Plan aid The hopes expressed at the launching of the Colombo Plan have not been fulfilled if only because there was never any possibility of their being fulfilled. At that time hardly anyone concerned understood...’
252. SAVINGRAM TO POSTS: 19 May 1953; ‘Canberra, 19 May 1953 RESTRICTED Colombo Plan: Director of Bureau of Technical Co-operation Following is a summary of the views of member Governments as we know them at this stage on the Australian nominee, Dr. P.W.E. Curtin.2 2. On 28th March we nominated Dr. Curtin. On 14th May the Government...’
253. LETTER FROM PLIMSOLL TO KEVIN: 21 May 1953; ‘Canberra, 21 May 1953 Thank you very much for your letter of congratulations which I appreciate very much.2 I will not be moving down to the Geographical Regions for another four or five weeks, as I am taking over from Alan Watt while he is away in London for the...’
254. DISPATCH FROM KEVIN TO CASEY: 30 May 1953; ‘Jakarta, 30 May 1953 SECRET The Colombo Plan and Australian-Indonesian Relations I have the honour to submit the following report on the Colombo Plan and its effect on Australian relations with Indonesia. 2. Although the Colombo Plan has been in operation for almost two years, it was only five months...’
255. CABLEGRAM FROM HIGH COMMISSION IN COLOMBO TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 June 1953; ‘Colombo, 20 June 1953 UNCLASSIFIED My telegram 131.1 1. In the presence of Cabinet, heads of departments and a large gathering, tractors were formally presented to Mr. Jayewardene2 on June 19th. 2. Following aspects were stressed by me: (a) Colombo Plan grand example of cooperation and goodwill amongst friendly nations....’
256. SUBMISSION FROM ECONOMIC AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SECTION TO CASEY: 3 August 1953; ‘Canberra, 3 August 1953 CONFIDENTIAL Economic Development Programme—Aid to Vietnam Undertaking to assist Indo-China You will recall that on 11th March, 1953, you and M. Jean Letoumeau1 issued a joint communique which, in part, reads: ‘Australia is also prepared to assist in the economic development of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia...’
257. MINUTE FROM CASEY TO PLIMSOLL: 14 August 1953; ‘Canberra, 14 August 1953 PERSONAL CONFIDENTIAL I realise that Colombo Plan is not now one of your direct responsibilities—but I think it would be a good thing if you were to discuss with Watt as to how you might keep a general eye on it—particularly in respect of any of...’
258. MEMORANDUM FROM QUINN TO WATT: 25 August 1953; ‘Saigon, 25 August 1953 CONFIDENTIAL Colombo Plan Aid — Associated States Thank you for your memorandum No. 2071 of 10th August (your file No. 2066/5). 2. Before making the offer of £100,000 worth of public works equipment to the Government of Viet-Nam, I should like to have your comments on...’
259. MEMORANDUM FOR HIGH COMMISSION IN COLOMBO FROM ARNOTT: 26 August 1953; ‘Canberra, 26 August 1953 Colombo Plan — Japan Thank you for your memorandum No. 928 (File 18/7/2) of 20th August, 1953,2 on the above. We were especially interested in your advice because it is a topic which might be revived at the forthcoming Meeting of the Consultative Committee. 2. We...’
260. MEMORANDUM FROM BIRCH TO WATT: 3 September 1953; ‘New Delhi, 3 September 1953 CONFIDENTIAL Japan’s Membership of Colombo Plan Consultative Committee I refer to your memorandum 4751 of 20th August, (file 2086/3) regarding Japan’s membership of the Consultative Committee. 2. We are not aware of any Japanese moves to revive the issue since the Karachi meeting was held,...’
261. MINUTE FROM ECONOMIC AND TECHNICAL SECTION, DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CASEY: 16 September 1953; ‘Canberra, 16 September 1953 Colombo Plan—Training for Pakistan Police Officers Our High Commissioner at Karachi1 has received an informal enquiry from the Secretary to the Ministry of the Interior about our willingness to accept officers of the Police Service of Pakistan for training under the technical co-operation scheme. You will...’
262. CABLEGRAM FROM EMBASSY IN TOKYO TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 October 1953; ‘Tokyo, 1 October 1953 480. CONFIDENTIAL IMMEDIATE Waring1, who is United States Embassy economic counsellor, has informed me confidentially that Oda2, director of Economic Affairs in the Foreign Ministry, told him that Nishi3 was the only ambassador in any Colombo Plan country who has reported that the Government to which...’
263. PAPER BY DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 October 1953; ‘Canberra, 10 October 1953 Notes for the Minister on the Operation of the Colombo Plan in Pakistan Since the last report on the operation of the Colombo Plan in Pakistan was furnished in March, 1952, the Economic Development Programme of the Plan, as well as the program of Technical Assistance,...’
264. SUBMISSION FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CASEY: 31 October 1953; ‘Canberra, 31 October 1953 Colombo Plan Expenditure Budget allocation In the 1953–54 Budget recently passed by Parliament an amount of £3 million was approved for all expenditure on the Colombo Plan. To this can be added £326,000, which was the Colombo Plan balance in the International Development and Relief Trust...’
265. DISPATCH FROM KEVIN TO CASEY: 20 February 1954; ‘Jakarta, 20 February 1954 SECRET I have the honour to forward the accompanying report on the operation of the Colombo Plan in Indonesia during the past twelve months. 2. The application of the Plan to this country is empirical to a large degree, and satisfactory procedures are likely to be...’
266. LETTER FROM KEVIN TO ARNOTT: 6 March 1954; ‘Jakarta, 6 March 1954 I have been going over our files regarding Colombo Plan training in the field of education, and it seems that there are one or two matters on which, benefiting from one another’s experience and difficulties, we might usefully reach like conclusions, subject always to the Department’s...’
267. LETTER FROM CASEY TO JOHNSON: 28 May 1954; ‘Canberra, 28 May 1954 Since my return from Geneva I have given some further thought to the proposal in your letter of 5th April2 for the use of Colombo Plan funds to permit residential University Colleges to increase their accommodation to provide for a number of Asian students. The conditions...’
268. MINUTE FROM SHAW TO CASEY: 3 June 1954; ‘Canberra, 3 June 1954 Colombo Plan—Future Planning In February this year (Minute of 22/2/54)1 it was estimated that our total disbursements for Economic Development under the Colombo Plan would be £9,800,000 by 30th June, 1954. It now appears that the actual figure will be somewhat lower at about £9,300,000. This...’
269. MINUTE FROM SHAW TO CASEY: 4 June 1954; ‘Canberra, 4 June 1954 Colombo Plan Aid to the British Territories in South East Asia While aid for these territories is the prime responsibility of the United Kingdom, Australia has provided a useful contribution under the Technical Co-operation Scheme. Technical equipment| £A —|— Money spent on all territories to 28th...’
270. MINUTE FROM SHAW TO CASEY: 4 June 1954; ‘Canberra, 4 June 1954 Colombo Plan Aid to Indonesia ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME Summary 201,370 Total money spent to 30th June 1954 Plus commitments 845,000 Total 5,046,370 Projects completed Trucks.(86) and tractors (24)| 201,370 —|— Commitments Diesel engines (310) for fishing vessels 410,000 Civil aviation equipment 85,000 Under examination Diesel...’
271. MINUTE FROM SHAW TO CASEY: 4 June 1954; ‘Canberra, 4 June 1954 Colombo Plan Aid to Thailand Thailand is not a member of the Colombo Plan although it has sent observers to meetings of the Consultative Committee and the Council for Technical Co-operation. 2. Australia has, however, provided training facilities for eleven Thai students. The two latest arrivals...’
272. NOTE BY DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS ON POLICE TRAINING: June 1954; ‘Canberra, June 1954 Police Training for Asian Nationals in Australia We have had four enquiries or requests for training of their nationals in police methods in Australia from Thailand, Ceylon, Burma and Pakistan respectively. The requests from Thailand, Ceylon and Pakistan were made under the Colombo Plan; that from Burma,...’
273. MINUTE FROM SHAW TO CASEY: 21 July 1954; ‘Canberra, 21 July 1954 Colombo Plan: Indo-China The military and political events of the past few months, rapidly changing the situation of the Associated States of Indo-China, lead to the conclusion that we should re-orient our Colombo Plan approach to that area. 2. In March, 1953, during the visit to...’
274. ANNEX TO CABINET SUBMISSION: 28 July 1954; ‘Canberra, 28 July 1954 SECRET Japanese Participation in the Colombo Plan Immediately before the Meeting of the Colombo Plan Consultative Committee held at Karachi in 1952, the United Kingdom raised informally the question of Japanese participation and indicated that they would be prepared to support participation. As a result of...’
275. NOTE FROM EMBASSY IN RANGOON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 August 1954; ‘Rangoon, 2 August 1954 Colombo Plan It is reported that the Australian Government would view favourably a widening of the scope of the Colombo Plan to include Japan, in view of a suggestion by Tokyo English language newspaper ‘Japan News’. I feel sure that this is a cunning ruse originating...’
276. LETTER FROM CASEY TO FADDEN: 6 August 1954; ‘Melbourne, 6 August 1954 May I draw your attention to the following points arising from the discussion on the budgetary appropriation for 1954–55 for the Colombo Plan and other forms of international aid. From the total appropriation of £5,500,000 now agreed upon under this heading, I propose to apply to...’
277. CABLEGRAM FROM EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 August 1954; ‘Washington, 12 August 1954 780. CONFIDENTIAL Japan and the Colombo Plan 1. Young,1 Director North East Asian affairs, called us in with New Zealand and United Kingdom to suggest confidential exchanging of views before Ottawa meeting on Japanese association with Colombo Plan. He said Americans thought Japanese Association ‘in some...’
278. MINUTE FROM CASEY TO TANGE: 16 August 1954; ‘Canberra, 16 August 1954 I think you might read the attached. Assuming that a Cabinet accepts the Cabinet memorandum1 on our attitude towards Japan for the future, I think that this subject of their joining the Colombo Plan (in some form) might be the first thing that we might do...’
279. LETTER FROM CASEY TO MENZIES: 18 August 1954; ‘Canberra, 18 August 1954 PERSONAL CONFIDENTIAL I have been discussing with some of the senior men in my Department some of the matters to which we might well be paying attention in the course of the next twelve months. The following condensed notes are by no means exclusive—but they are...’
280. LETTER FROM FADDEN TO CASEY: 25 August 1954; ‘Canberra, 25 August 1954 I have thought over the points you raised in your letter of 6th August1 about the future of the Colombo Plan and I can readily appreciate your point of view upon them. It is, I agree, very important that Australia should make clear its intentions to...’
281. CABLEGRAM FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO POSTS: 28 August 1954; ‘Canberra, 28 August 1954 142. SECRET Your telegram 826.2 Japan’s Association with the Colombo Plan. 1. We have considered this problem in relation to contributrion Japanese could make to area in technical knowledge and experience in training facilities and industrial capacity. We have also examined it from viewpoint of advantage...’
282. LETTER FROM CASEY TO PEARSON: 1 September 1954; ‘Melbourne, 1 September 1954 PERSONAL CONFIDENTIAL As you know there has been some discreet inquiry on the part of the Japanese over a year ago and again lately, as to whether they might not be allowed to join the Colombo Plan. A year ago was, from our Australian point of...’
283. CABLEGRAM FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HIGH COMMISSION IN OTTAWA: 12 September 1954; ‘Canberra, 12 September 1954 151. CONFIDENTIAL Japan and Colombo Plan Your telegram 1851 and our telegram 146.2 1. Reaction of following member countries to our intimation that Australia would support Japan for full membership have been received. Indonesians believe Japanese admission inevitable and offer no opposition. Indian Government would have...’
284. CABLEGRAM FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HIGH COMMISSION IN OTTAWA: 14 September 1954; ‘Canberra, 14 September 1954 192. CONFIDENTIAL PRIORITY Japan and Colombo Plan. Your 1512 and 1543. Canadian authorities have no objection to your notifying Japanese of members reactions (reference paragraph 4 of 151). 2. Position has been complicated by information received from Japanese Embassy, Ottawa. Embassy has on own initiative this...’
285. RECORD OF CONVERSATION BETWEEN SHAW AND NISHI: 16 September 1954; ‘Canberra, 16 September 1954 Japan and Colombo Plan I asked Mr. Nishi to discuss the position of Japan and the Colombo Plan. I told him that we had informally circulated to members of the Plan the suggestion that Japan should be admitted and had received an indication that should Japan...’
286. CABLEGRAM FROM HIGH COMMISSION IN OTTAWA TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 6 October 1954; ‘Ottawa, 6 October 1954 212. CONFIDENTIAL Colombo Plan Thailand and Japan admitted as full members 5th October. Minister and Canadian Minister of Finance1 (Chairman of meeting) spoke to Sunario2 on 4th October result of which Indonesian opposition to Japanese entry was withdrawn in the interests of ‘International Relations’. 2. Minister...’
287. LETTER FROM EMBASSY IN JAKARTA TO TANGE: 23 October 1954; ‘Jakarta, 23 October 1954 CONFIDENTIAL Thank you for your letter of 27th September1 about the Colombo Plan. As at the moment, we have supplied roughly £200,000 worth of capital aid to Indonesia, but the following projects amounting to £4,939,359 have been placed before the Department: (a) Items amounting to £853,000...’
288. MINUTE FROM CASEY TO TANGE: 11 November 1954; ‘Canberra, 11 November 1954 It occurs to me that it might be worth considering and discussing whether or not we could not extend the present scope of the Colombo Plan by inviting the public to subscribe to it on say a � for � basis with the Government—over and above...’
289. MINUTE FROM SHAW TO ARNOTT: 24 December 1954; ‘Canberra, 24 December 1954 Mr. B.K. Rank, who will leave to do a Colombo Plan job in plastic surgery in India and Ceylon on 24th January would like some general information material. Would you send him please, as soon as possible, such things as our statement on how we answer...’
290. MINUTE FROM CASEY TO SHAW: 29 December 1954; ‘Canberra, 29 December 1954 You will no doubt have noticed the passage in Crocker’s despatch No. 23 of 6th December (‘Indo-Australian Relations’)1 on the Colombo Plan, as follows:— ‘Second, our efforts at a good-neighbour policy with South and South-East Asia are bearing some fruit in India. Thus the Colombo Plan,...’
291. DRAFT LETTER FROM CASEY TO PEARSON: 24 April 1955; ‘Canberra, [January] 1955 SECRET It occurs to me that you might care to have a rambling letter from me on the subject that is most prominent in our minds in this country—the situation in South-East Asia and the area generally to the north of Australia. As I think you probably...’
292. NOTE FROM VAWDREY TO CROCKER: 31 May 1955; ‘Jakarta, 31 May 1955 CONFIDENTIAL Embassy thinking on Australia’s part in the Colombo Plan in Indonesia has been expressed in Djakarta Despatch No.3/542 and also Mr. Kevin’s letters to Mr. Casey and Mr. Tange of 31st July 19543 and 23rd October 19544 respectively. In brief, the Embassy expressed itself in...’
293. SUBMISSION NO. 409 FROM CASEY TO CABINET: 21 June 1955; ‘Canberra, 21 June 1955 CONFIDENTIAL Australian Participation in the Colombo Plan The Colombo Plan, which began as a purely British Commonwealth undertaking in 1951, is now accepted as the major international instrument for carrying out programmes for the economic and social development of South and South East Asia. Seventeen countries...’
294. SUBMISSION NO. 416 FROM FADDEN TO CABINET: 27 June 1955; ‘Canberra, 27 June 1955 CONFIDENTIAL The Colombo Plan In his submission on Australian Participation in the Colombo Plan,1 the Minister for External Affairs has brought to Cabinet two matters which have been under debate between his Department and my own. They are— (a) the Budgetary procedure for Colombo Plan procurement;...’
295. CABINET DECISION NO. 483: 29 June 1955; ‘Canberra, 28 and 29 June 1955 « STATUS ie Confidential/Unclassified » CONFIDENTIAL Submission No. 409—Australian Participation in the Colombo Plan1 Submission No. 416—The Colombo Plan2 Cabinet agreed: (1) at the forthcoming Colombo Plan meeting the Minister be authorised to give an assurance of Australia’s continuing participation in the Colombo Plan at a...’
296. NOTE BY DURIE ON CABINET SUBMISSIONS NOS. 409 AND 416: 29 June 1955; ‘Canberra, 29 June 1955 CONFIDENTIAL Australian Participation in Colombo Plan (Separate submissions by the Minister for External Affairs and the Treasurer) The Colombo Plan has been in operation since 1951. Australian participation has involved the following financial commitments:— | Contributions Offered| Funds Committed| Spent —|—|—|— Economic Development| £31.25m.| £26m.| £12m....’
297. LETTER FROM BROWN TO FADDEN: 1 July 1955; ‘Canberra, 1 July 1955 CONFIDENTIAL I have received copies of the attached document for distribution. Ordinarily I would, in the light of the covering letter to me,1 distribute them without question, but before I take any action in this particular case, I feel I should acquaint you with a conversation...’
298. PAPER BY DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 November 1955; ‘Canberra, 9 November 1955 CONFIDENTIAL Colombo Plan Meeting in Singapore The Consultative Committee on Co-operative Economic Development in South and South-East Asia made its fourth annual review of the Colombo Plan at Singapore from 17th to 21st October, 1955, under the chairmanship of Mr. D.S. Marshall, Chief Minister of Singapore....’
299. PAPER BY DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 August 1957; ‘Canberra, 23 August 1957 The Colombo Plan’s First Six Years: Australia’s Part BACKGROUND 1. The region of South and South-East Asia contains one quarter of the world’s population but produces less than its share of the world’s goods. The value of output per head ranges from about $200 down to...’

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Volume 24: Australia and the Colombo Plan, 1949–1957

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