BACKGROUND - COLOMBO POWERS AND SEATO

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80R01443R000300010004-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: December 19, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 8, 2005
• Sequence Number: 4
• Publication Date: August 4, 1954
• Content Type: REPORT

NSCAapl1er Release 2005/9
R000300019PO1i?gust 1954 25X1
BACKGROUND - COLOMBO POWERS AND SEATO
I. Communist success in Indochina has further unsettled all but
one of the neutralist-inclined Colombo powers.
A. India, Ceylon, Burma and Indonesia have rejected Western
approaches seeking their adherence to SEATO or attendance
at preliminary meeting as observers, either directly or
implicitly.
B. This wariness has left door open for competing maneuvers.
These taking form of:
1. A new eolombo Conference, suggested by Ceylon, possibly
at Indian instigation, to take place during September,
at Rangoon or Colombo.
2. An Indian proposal for a regional alliance, including
military clauses and allegedly conferring most of the
benefits of SEATO without Western participation.
C. Of the five Colombo powers, only Pakistan is willing, eager
at this time to participate in SEA security meetings with
the West.
Approved For Release 2005/08/10 : - 0300010004-5 25X1