Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1943, The British Commonwealth, Eastern Europe, the Far East, Volume III

811B.01/476

The Acting Secretary of State to President Roosevelt

Washington, February 9, 1943.

My Dear Mr. President: President Quezon of the Philippines called to see me this morning and expressed great concern with regard to the effect which the recent declaration by the Japanese Government of its intention to grant immediate independence to the Philippine people² was having upon the Filipinos. He gave me to read certain recent broadcasts, which apparently had been received from Manila, which in his judgment indicated that the Filipinos were taking seriously this Japanese propaganda. He felt that if some counteracting measures were not undertaken, the effects might be very prejudicial both to his own Government and to the interests of this country.

He said he felt it was necessary for him to make a broadcast to the Philippines which would remind the Philippine people that no faith could be put in Japanese promises and that this Government had already promised them independence as soon as the Japanese invaders had been driven out.

He gave me to read the text of his proposed broadcast, which I attach herewith for your information.³ He asked that you send him a few lines expressing your approval of this text and authorizing him to make the statements concerning United States policy which are contained therein.

The broadcast seems to me entirely in line with your own views and the policy which you have already announced.

Will you let me know if President Quezon’s proposal meets with your approval, and, if so, if you will be willing to send him the direct authorization he has requested.⁴

Believe me

Faithfully yours,

Sumner Welles

2. Presumably statement made on January 27 by Japanese Prime Minister Hideki Tojo before the 81st Session of the Imperial Diet, Tokyo: “I sincerely expect the Filipinos will further strengthen their cooperation with our country and thus consummate at the earliest possible opportunity the independence of their land.”
3. Not printed.
4. No response from President Roosevelt found in Department files. A revised text of President Quezon’s speech was broadcast to the Philippines February 20, Manila time, and reprinted in the Congressional Record, vol. 89, pt. 9, Appendix, p. A851. In his broadcast, President Quezon stated that President Roosevelt’s authorization had been given.