Manila Pact (SEATO)

8 September 1954 · Manila

Cold War & arms control

Background

Formed after the French defeat in Indochina to stop communism spreading in Southeast Asia, with headquarters in Bangkok. Pakistan joined hoping for support against India, but SEATO did not help it in the 1965 or 1971 wars, and Pakistan left after East Pakistan's separation.

Signed by

USA, UK, France, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines and Thailand

Why it matters

Created the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization to contain communism; Pakistan was a member until it left in 1972–73. Dissolved in 1977.