Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1935, The Far East, Volume III

611B.9417/28a

The Assistant Secretary of State (Sayre) to the Chief of the Bureau of Insular Affairs, War Department (Cox)

Washington, May 8, 1935.

My Dear General Cox: May I send you this confirmation of our telephone conversation of this morning.

Secretary Hull feels that it is important, before we undertake any conversations with the Japanese with regard to the limitation of the export of Japanese textiles to the Philippines, that we should consult with Governor General Murphy to determine whether, in his opinion, it would be advisable to consult with the Filipinos themselves before undertaking such conversations with the Japanese. Secretary Hull’s feeling is that if we undertake to regulate Philippine trade without consulting or advising with the Filipino leaders themselves they might possibly resent such action, and that we should therefore consider whether before entering into conversations with Japan it would be wise to consult with them or not. This is a matter as to which we should rely upon Governor General Murphy’s opinion. If, in his opinion, it would seem wise to consult first with the Filipino leaders, then we should presumably get in touch with Señor Quezon⁵⁴ before his departure from the United States. If, on the other hand, in the opinion of the Governor General, it would be unwise to consult with the Filipinos at this time, Governor General Murphy should be asked to handle the situation in the Philippines so as to prevent any possible resentment arising with regard to this matter.⁵⁵

Sincerely yours,

Francis B. Sayre

54. Manuel L. Quezon, President of the Philippine Senate.
55. Governor General Murphy discussed the matter with Señor Quezon, “who saw no objection, thought same would be viewed favorably by Philippine interests and regarded this approach to problem preferable to other methods.” (611B.9417/34)