The Purpose of SEATO
This agreement was similar to NATO except for one thing: of they signed the agreement, they would continue to develop their own defenses but were not obligated to provide military assistance, but they could assist other countries if it was needed. The treaty encouraged economic assistance to poorer or war-affected areas, in order to make communism like the least desirable option. Although it wasn't specifically stated in the treaty, it seemed as if SEATO was made to combat communism.