146

CABLEGRAM FROM GOVERNMENT OF CEYLON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT

Colombo, 6 February 1951

  1. 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 meeting and also a review of progress under technical co-operation scheme.

(b) The participation of non-Commonwealth countries outside the area which wish to participate.

(c) The role of the International Bank.

(d) The question of co-ordination between scientific and technological work in all participating countries in the context of developing the availabilities of technical skill.

(e) General discussion of procedure for the obtaining of financial aid.

(f) Future organisation for continuing consultations. The agenda itself, however, can be finally settled on the first day of the meeting under the item ‘order of business’.

(To the United Kingdom only).

Grateful if above information is conveyed to the Governments of Thailand, Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos through the good offices of your representatives in those countries. We are taking action regarding Burma and Indonesia.

[NAA: A9879, 2202/E1 part 2]