890.20/3–2349: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in the Philippines ( Lockett )
372. Amb Elizalde called at his request to see Dir FE to discuss number matters; details conversation fol by pouch.1 However you shld be advised that Amb stated his Govt instructed him to obtain views of US Govt on possibility some sort Pacific Pact along lines North Atlantic Pact (on this as well as Indo question, Amb implied that Gen Romulo by his speeches had forced Pres Quirino’s hand). Dir told him that he had understood Amb wished to raise this question and that he had so notified his superiors. Dir pointed out unique character of Atlantic Pact, calling Amb attention to provisions therein making for its review at appropriate times. Dir also referred to importance of existing bilateral arrangement betw US and Philippines. Amb was able to give no indication that any thought been given in Manila other than to name Pacific Pact. He acknowledged awareness of attitude taken by Nehru and complexities of situation as regards China, Japan and NEI. He vouchsafed suggestion that when he talked on trans-Pacific phone with Pres Quirino tonight he would find means to indicate to him that it would not be good idea to play up Pacific Pact and it would not, in present circumstances, evoke favorable support from Wash. Amb Elizalde then went on say that in his personal opinion domestic polit situation in Philippines was responsible for talk of Pacific Pact and he implied that it should not be taken seriously.
- Memorandum of March 23, not printed.↩