711.96/11–1646: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Philippines (McNutt) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 16—12:30 a.m.]
780. Treaty of Conciliation signed today by Quirino and McNutt at 10:30 a.m. Philippine note delivered last night reciting possible difficulties financial and other constituting international commission within 6-month period specified in article II and stating: “My Government will sign on the understanding above provision not mandatory and notwithstanding 6 months indicated the commission may be constituted at a later date that may be agreed upon by contracting parties.”
As ceremonial signing had been arranged for this morning and to avoid further delay we replied pertinent portion of note reading: “In reply I am happy to state that while my Government looks forward to the earliest practicable constitution of the international commission it recognizes the validity of the reasons which may impell your government to suggest postponement of the date beyond the 6 months’ period foreseen in the treaty. My Government will be prepared sympathetically to receive a possible request from your government for such postponement, and to take such action as may be mutually agreeable to the two governments.”
Full text follows by air pouch.11
Please pass to War for info MID.
- For President Truman’s transmittal to the U. S. Senate on January 31, 1947, and the Secretary of State’s report of January 29, 1947, see Department of State Bulletin, February 9, 1947, p. 254.↩