123 [Steintorf, Paul P./3–2145]
The Consul General at Manila (Steintorf) to the Secretary of State
. . . . . . .
Concerning civil government, General MacArthur stated that it was his desire to withdraw from civil affairs as quickly as possible, and to confine his activities to “purely military affairs”. He said that he was opposed to military control of civil affairs, and did not [Page 1196] want to see a military government established in the Philippines. He implied, however, that it would continue to be necessary for the Army to exercise considerable supervision over civil government, since this country was destined to become the principal staging area for the Pacific war, with possibly a million American troops stationed here. Military security would demand extensive Army supervision over civil government. General MacArthur made it very clear that up to the present time practically all important decisions with respect to the local government had been made by the Army; although great care had been taken to ensure that the nominal authority for enforcement was given to the Commonwealth Government.16 He stated that he had avoided any appearance of dictating to the Commonwealth Government, and that matters had been handled very tactfully, protecting the political interest and self-respect of the Filipino officials.
. . . . . . .
General MacArthur said that he was enthusiastically in favor of the plan to grant independence to the Philippine Islands on August 13, 1945. He implied that he had originated the plan, and would support it fully. … He said that he had told President Osmeña to remain in Washington until he obtained a definite promise of independence, and the necessary economic concessions from the American Government. …
. . . . . . .
Very truly yours,
- Date of receipt not indicated; copy transmitted to President Truman on April 30, 1945. The Consulate General at Manila began functioning informally on March 19 and opened officially on March 27.↩
- In despatch 10, April 4, 1945, the Consul General at Manila reported General MacArthur’s restoration on February 28 of civil administration in the Philippines to President Sergio Osmeña (800.0146/4–445).↩