811.24596/10–846: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Philippines (McNutt) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 8—3:03 a.m.]
531. Following is text of Malacanan91 press release issued Sunday night, October 6, on resumption of base negotiations:
“Malacanan announced today that conversations dealing with Philippine-American defense arrangements, including bases, are being renewed. Informal talks between Philippine and American officials were held over the weekend and others are scheduled during the coming week.
The conversations have entered a technical phase involving the solicitation of opinions and data from surveyors, land experts, and engineers, as well as from experts in strategy. As a result, formal meetings will be spasmodic and progress will probably be slow until all opinions and data are thoroughly canvassed and analyzed.
Upon the conclusion of these conversations, the formal discussions between the duly designated negotiators of the Philippine Government and of the United States Government will continue until a mutually satisfactory agreement is worked out for presentation to the top authorities in Washington and in Manila for approval, and, if approved, for signature. After signature, the defense accord will be submitted here for formal consideration by the appropriate legislative body, Malacanan said.”
- Residence of the President.↩