Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1942, General; the British Commonwealth; the Far East, Volume I

390.1115A/646: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the United States High Commissioner in the Philippines (Sayre)

Washington, January 17, 1942—2 p.m.

8. Please inform President Quezon⁸ that the Department is arranging to grant relief where necessary to needy American citizens in and unable to leave enemy countries and enemy occupied territories and that it is prepared to extend relief similarly to any needy Philippine citizens in the same areas outside the Philippine Islands. Before doing so Department would be pleased to learn whether he has any objections and to receive his advice in this respect. In arranging for the relief of needy Americans the Department intends to advance funds only for minimum necessary subsistence and for other essential extraordinary needs such as urgent medical attention. It is expected that repayment will eventually be made by those able to do so.

With respect to exclusion of the Philippine Islands from the Department’s relief plans as indicated above, it may be mentioned that this Government has already otherwise provided funds for relief in the Philippine Islands.

Hull

8. Manuel L. Quezon, President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines.