696.20/10–2048: Telegram

The Chargé in the Philippines (Lockett) to the Secretary of State

secret

2071. Accompanied by General Anderson1 I delivered a note to President Quirino October 19 embodying quotation in Deptel 1221, October 2 relative to discharge of scouts. At request to General Anderson, after he had received telegraphic instructions from CINCFE, I added the two words “and qualify” after the word “desire” at end of first paragraph of Dept’s quotation.

President Quirino seemed somewhat shocked after reading note and said he could not understand why [so] large a body of trained soldiers was being discharged during the existing crisis. When informed that the number of scouts involved would be approximately 29,000 he said that large number would cause substantial unemployment during an election year. The implication in the foregoing statement was that substantial unemployment in the late summer and fall of next year would adversely affect his chances of reelection in November 1949. He further stated that he thought it would be necessary for him to make a quick trip to the United States particularly to discuss matters of military und financial assistance. On second thought he said he probably could not make the trip until after the first of the year (since the President does not travel airplane I rather doubt that he will make the trip). President Quirino asked General Anderson if he could turn over to Philippine[s] sufficient small arms to equip discharge scouts as they are mustered into Philippine armed forces. General Anderson said he had no authority to do so and such authority would have to be obtained from Washington. President Quirino stated he did not possess sufficient equipment to adequately supply forces now fighting against Huks. Throughout conversation the President was quite serious and realized the importance of the problem. He inquired if I thought Washington was firm in its policy of discharging the scouts and, on receiving an affirmative answer, he began to think aloud about how the discharged scouts could be absorbed into the Philippines armed forces. He thought 3,000 might be used in his peace and order campaign against the Huks but beyond that he was somewhat at a loss. However, he stated that discharged scouts not finding employment in civilian occupations would have to be employed [Page 637] by the Govt as far as possible, evidently meaning in the armed forces. The President said he wished to give further thought to the matter and preferred no publicity in the meantime. He was leaving our conference for a Cabinet meeting and gave me the impression he would discuss the phases of the scout problem with his advisers. General Anderson and I agreed what [that] we would withhold any announcement to the press while the President is considering ways and means of solving the problem and presenting it to the public. The President was informed that the program of discharge would go forward as scheduled.

Lockett
  1. Gen. Jonathan W. Anderson, commanding general PhilCom.