SEATO Reexamined
Abstract
The Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) is a collective defense arrangement formed for the purpose of bringing peace and stability to Southeast Asia. Specifically, SEATO was designed to combat Communist-inspired insurgency and aggression in the treaty area. The Manila Treaty, which serves as the SEATO charter, was signed in 1954 by the United States, Great Britain, France, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Thailand, and the Philippine Islands. After ratification by all member nations, it became operative in February 1955. During its 11-year history, SEATO has achieved some notable successes and has experienced some serious failures. The most significant event in the latter category has been the failure to take concerted action against the Communist threat in Vietnam. SEATO's failure to act with unity and determination has raised doubts as to the future worth of the alliance. The feasible alternatives appear to be a drastically restructured SEATO, an all-Asian alliance led by either India or Japan, or a unilateral commitment by the United States to employ its military power to keep peace in Southeast Asia. Of these alternatives, a revised SEATO is believed to offer the greatest prospect of success.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 22, 1966
- Accession Number
- ADA488097
Entities
People
- Joe M. Palmer
Organizations
- United States Army War College