Foreign Relations of the United States, 1947, The Far East, Volume VI

711.962/12–1047

Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of the Division of Commercial Policy (Gay) to Mr. Woodbury Willoughby, Associate Chief of the Division

[Washington,] December 10, 1947.

Status of Treaty Negotiations With the Philippines

Summary:

No negotiating meetings have been held since July 30, 1947, at which time the Department considered negotiations practically completed.

Developments since July 30:

August 1—The Philippine negotiators sent a comprehensive report to President Roxas and asked for instructions with respect to further negotiations.

August 8–August 22—Department sent two telegrams to the Embassy at Manila in hope that Embassy might be able to expedite Roxas’ instructions to the Filipino negotiators.

August 25—U.S. Embassy reported results of conversation with Roxas who indicated treaty before him for prompt decision.

October 1—U.S. Embassy reported treaty discussed briefly with Roxas repeating previous concern regarding practice of professions because of Chinese situation. Quirino³⁷ suggested completion negotiations and signature Manila.

October 8—Department replied, while U.S. would be glad to sign treaty in Washington, no objection signing in Manila particularly if negotiations would be facilitated. Since negotiations have been carried to an advanced stage with Philippine Embassy, every effort should be made to avoid reopening entire treaty.

December 8—Dr. Maloles advised Department of receipt of message approximately December 2 that the “treaty is being taken care of at Manila”.³⁸

37. Vice President Elpidio Quirino, Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
38. In a memorandum of December 31, Mr. Gay reported that “Mr. Ely strongly advised sending a negotiator to Manila to complete negotiations.” (711.962/12–3147)