Three Western powers—the United States, France, and the United Kingdom—were original members of SEATO, the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization. Why would those powers have joined a mutual defense organization in Southeast Asia?
A) All three nations were asked to become members by weaker Asian nations.
B) All three nations wanted to contain the spread of communism in the region.
C)All three nations had established colonies in the region.
D) All three nations wanted land and ports for military bases in the region.

The United States' main purpose in joining SEATO was to curb communist influence, especially from China. In addition to the members of SEATO, three countries were given observer status. Although they were not technically a part of SEATO, the following countries fell under the organization's protection: Laos.

What was the purpose of SEATO?

In September of 1954, the United States, France, Great Britain, New Zealand, Australia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Pakistan formed the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization or SEATO. The purpose of the organization was to prevent communism from gaining ground in the region.

Learn more about SEATO here: brainly.com/question/1446953

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