The Purpose of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization
The stated purpose of SEATO was to protect Southeast Asia from being influenced by communism (September 8, 1954). SEATO was also made to improve trade relationships between free governments to boost their economic power, helping them avoid resorting to communism.
The member countries of SEATO included Australia, France, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, Great Britain, and the United States.
This site gives a healthy amount of information on SEATO, such as its purpose, its strengths, and its weaknesses. It marks the establishment of this organization as a milestone of the 1950s.
Too tired to read? Want a better understanding of SEATO and its purpose? Presented in classic history channel-esque fashion, the video below tells you all about SEATO and its history.
Some of the leaders of member SEATO nations stand in front of the Congress Building in Manila, Philippines..
Top SEATO members actively engage in a meeting. From left: the Chief of Defence Staff (Lieutenant-General Sir Leonard Thornton), the Minister of Defence (Mr Thomson), the New Zealand Ambassador in Washington (Mr F H Corner), the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) who was elected chairman of the council, the Secretary-General of Seato (General Jesus Vargas, of the Philippines), and the deputy Secretary-General (Mr D. Wraight, of New Zealand).