811.24596/11–2746: Telegram
The Chargé in the Philippines (Davis) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 27—2:35 a.m.]
846. For McNutt. Foreign Office drafting note with Roxas’ approval proposing adoption Article 13 current draft base agreement as modus vivendi pending completion agreement. This would be in lieu of Executive Order 151 which Roxas says increasingly embarrassing to explain to local authorities. One advantage to us in this proposal would be recognition temporary installations as “bases”. Disadvantages are (1) immediate disputes that would arise as to interpretation “engaged in actual performance of military duty”; (2) a further concession to Philippine agitation without adequate quid pro quo, thus tending weaken their desire early settlement.13
Am sending this immediately to reach you before return without time for full discussion Moore and Good. In brief after-dinner conversation with Christiansen14 he emphasized question military duty.
- Manila’s telegram 878, December 5, 10 a.m., reported receipt of the Foreign Office note, and telegram 900, December 7, noon, reported the reply to it. The Philippines were anxious to replace Executive Order 151 with a modus vivendi pending an agreement on bases. Mr. Davis suggested that a prompt base agreement would obviate the need for a modus vivendi. (811.24596/12–546, 12–746)↩
- Maj. Gen. James G. Christiansen, War Department negotiator in regard to Philippine bases.↩