U.S. Listening But Saying Nothing

Chronicle (Levin), 17 May 1949, Page 5

U.S. Listening But Saying Nothing

( N.Z.P.A.

— Reuter,

Covvridht)

Received Monday 7 p.m,.-= wrWASHINGrTON, May 15. The United States, whose partieipation is essential if it is to have mucn meaningj has done no more than fnote" developing sentiment in fav-' our of a Pacilic defence pact, it was explained in semi-official quarters n. v\ ashington today. This means that although the United States has, in a. routine way, kept itself informed on developments in pronouncements m Australia and elsewhere, of the desirability for a Pacifie allianee against aggression, it has been careful to ae ffionstrate no official interest whien might eneourage a belief that it was prepared at this stage to associate itself with any defence arrangement for that part of the world. "On^ thing at a time'5 is the precept behind United States j official thinking just noW. Tlie United States already has heavy commitments over broad areas of tho world and it is felt that the danger oi overreaching even its admittedly great strength requires that it should entei •into new commitments with the utmost eaution. It» is emphasised, too, that although

the United States' formal partnershvp in the Atlantic allianee through ratifi eation of the treaty, may confldently be expected within the next two or three rnonths, the eoncomitant arms assistance proposal is still far from consummation. Additionally, there are many who believe the United States will heed suggestions for a Mediterranean defence arrangement before turning its attention to the Paeifie. This would be the logical extension of the socalled anti-Communist Truman doctrine fo?, niilitary economic aid to G-reece ana Turkey and one which could eifectively be integrated with the Atlantic Pact. thus extending in an important direction the wall against Russian aggres sion. Therefore, the strongest impression in Washington is that, while anxious to do nothing to discourage •preliminary planning among friends in the Southwest Pacific, United Statefc will do nothing to foster the hope that, in the foreseeable future, it can beconie an official partner.