896.00/9–1348: Telegram
The Chargé in the Philippines (Lockett) to the Secretary of State
1752. President Quirino told me today the constabulary, the army and guerrilla units are now actively in the field in a campaign against the Huks (as previously predicted by Embassy). He said his armed forces have now completely surrounded the entire area within which Taruc and his main group are supposed to be centered. President Quirino further stated Taruc had been summoned to Manila to testify before the electoral board of the House of Representatives and if he should appear he would be immediately apprehended on a charge of murder pending against him in the courts. The President emphasized Taruc has lost all benefits offered under amnesty and the tone in which he said it indicated his former friendliness toward Taruc had vanished. The President emphasized his determination to continue his amelioration program among those who would accept it. He announced that any one interfering with the amelioration program would be considered an enemy of the nation and that the armed forces are being used to protect the activities of that program. He stated Taruc and his group now in a state of rebellion had not accepted his peaceful offer and they would be dealt with accordingly. The President told me he wished to clean up the Huk rebellion before the outbreak of war in [Page 634] Germany. He intended to leave within a few days for a trip to the southern islands but informed me he could not leave Manila at this time as he wished to personally supervise the military action against the Huts. He seems just as determined to conquer the Huks by military action as he was in his former effort to subdue them peacefully.