399. Telegram From the Embassy in the Philippines to the Department of State1
244. Dept pass Defense. CINCPAC and COMNAVPHIL has by other means for info. Emb has just received note from Foreign Office outlining terms under which PhilGovt desires conduct forthcoming bases negotiations. Note begins with ref to and quotation of joint communiqué by Pres Magsaysay and Vice Pres Nixon. Continuing, [Page 663] note proposes following items for discussion with US Mission in forthcoming conf:
- 1.
- Transfer to PhilGovt of all title papers and title claims held by US to all land areas used either in past or at present as military bases, temporary headquarters and installations in accordance with joint statement of Magsaysay and Nixon.
- 2.
- Turn-over to PhilGovt areas listed Military Bases Agreement which no longer needed by parties.
- 3.
- Delimitation metes and bounds all bases under active occupation and control US.
- 4.
- Revision certain provisions agreement to ensure effective exercise Phil sovereignty over base areas (such as jurisdiction, taxation, customs, immigration, communications, mineral, water rights and other natural resources).
- 5.
- Revision provisions rel term agreement and determination of use of bases.
- 6.
- Expansion and development some US bases as may be needed by military requirements for mutual security and defense both countries this area.
- 7.
- Acquisition additional land areas deemed necessary by both govts for mutual security and defense both countries this area.
- 8.
- Contribution by US such equipment and physical facilities as may be needed by PhilGovt for effective security and defense Phils and US this area.
Text note being forwarded by despatch.
Dept will observe items 4 and 8 are the most objectionable from our point view and probably most significant from Phil point view.
Bendetsen and I will have opportunity for full discussion note in advance of luncheon to which Pres has invited us Monday.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 711.56396/7–2856. Confidential; Priority.↩