740.0011 Pacific War/3025
President Roosevelt to the President of the Philippine Commonwealth (Quezon)73
My Dear Mr. President: Your letter of December 5, 1942 is most gratifying. It is good to recall your inspiring telegram of December [Page 912] 9, 1941. The assurance contained in that message has indeed been fulfilled—immeasurably so. I have never for a moment doubted that the courage, faith and determination of the Filipino people would carry them through their present period of adversity. The uncomplaining manner in which your people have endured the physical suffering and mental anguish resulting from acts of the enemy has been an inspiring example to the people of the United States.
I share with you, I scarcely need say, the grief you feel over the invasion of the Islands and the consequent suffering which your people are undergoing. That grief is widespread in this country and springs not alone from the several decades of friendship and understanding that have subsisted between the two peoples, but from the admiration which we feel for the unflinching stand which the Filipino people have taken in the ranks of all the freedom-loving peoples who are resolved to bring about the defeat of the unholy union of selfish nations bent on destroying democratic forms of government. Today we of the United Nations are striking at the enemy with ever stronger blows. The Japanese will be driven from the Philippines and the Filipino people will have their freedom restored and their independence established. The many thousands of Filipino soldiers who have given their lives for the cause of freedom and the many other thousands who have been wounded or are missing will not have made the sacrifice in vain.
With assurances of my highest esteem, I am
Very sincerely yours,
- Draft transmitted to President Roosevelt by the Secretary of State on December 11; letter sent by President Roosevelt on December 12.↩