SEATO: A Critique

Abstract

P ERHAPS THE LEAST CONSPICUOUS ACTOR in the Southeast Asia crisis has been the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO). Yet, the Southeast Asia Collective Defense Treaty, including its Protocol, extending over South Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, is relevant actual events as they have unfolded since the treaty was signed in Manila in September I954. This article argues that SEATO is a failure, that it has failed match action with the treaty concept and intentions (of providing for security in Southeast Asia through a regional alliance). The article explores the more important aspects of the external and internal dynamics of SEATO and seeks support its assertion that the Treaty was conceptually, and in actuality, irrelevant Southeast Asian situations. This article is oriented toward military and defense issues which were the raison d'tre for SEATO. It is recognized, however, that by separating itself from the overall fabric of political, social, cultural and religious issues in Southeast Asia, the article fails present an overall picture and is as limited as was SEATO. It certainly does not attempt provide general solutions the region's current difficulties but is rather a critique of past performances, a critique which may, however, be of significance when the shooting stops in Vietnam and when practical and continuing political measures once more become necessary provide security and stability in the region. It is not difficult support the contention that strategically, SEATO had an inbuilt impotence. Construction of almost any simple but hypothetical strategic model for Southeast Asia illustrates this point.' In I954, wittingly or unwittingly, the United States, supported by its SEATO Allies, drew a Cold War frontier in Southeast Asia. This frontier stretched along the demarcation line in Vietnam and, generally, along the borders of Laos Burma. Strategically three things may be done with a frontier-a power can advance from it, can retreat from it, or hold it. It was the basic role of SEATO hold this Cold War frontier; it was defined in the Treaty by the words to prevent, or counter by appropriate means, any attempt ..... subvert freedom or destroy sovereignty or territorial integrity.