811.24596/11–1946
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Acting Chief of the Division of Philippine Affairs (Ely)
Ambassador Elizalde first brought up the matter of the appointment of the American members of the proposed Philippine-American Financial Commission and indicated that the Philippine Government was disappointed that this matter had been so long delayed. He stated that many matters in which the Philippines were interested were being held up because the answer at every turn was that the report of the Financial Commission would have to be awaited.
He then brought up the question of the base agreement and pointed out how difficult this matter was for President Roxas from a political standpoint. He remarked that the Filipinos were going to have to vote on the equal rights amendment in March and that coupled with what in Philippine eyes looked to be excessive demands for military bases constituted a problem which Roxas found very difficult to explain to his people. He stressed the fact that the base agreement had to be approved by two-thirds of both Houses and that elements which he branded communistic were playing up our requests as evidence of our desire to control the Philippines. The Ambassador complained that the Army was not able to understand the Philippine viewpoint and that their representatives had no leeway in their instructions.
The Ambassador then asked Mr. Acheson to read a long letter of instructions addressed to the Ambassador by President Roxas on the question. This letter reiterated the statements of the Ambassador and made two points from which it seems probable that President Roxas cannot be persuaded to move. Those are: (1) his insistence that he cannot agree to military bases in metropolitan areas, and (2) the position which the Philippine Government will take on the matter of jurisdiction over military personnel. President Roxas takes the position that the military authorities should have jurisdiction over offenses committed on bases by military personnel but sole jurisdiction off the bases would rest with the Philippine Government irrespective of persons involved.
Mr. Acheson read President Roxas’ letter very carefully and assured Ambassador Elizalde that the Department was quite aware of the problems which President Roxas faced and that these questions would be taken up as soon as Ambassador McNutt returned.12
- In telegram 791, November 18, 4 p.m., from Manila, Mr. McNutt had reported as follows: “In order to allay speculations and political controversy, especially over bases, Embassy is announcing McNutt returning on personal mission during course of which he will consult with Department on pending matters.” (811.24596/11–1846)↩