793.96/7–1249: Telegram

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

1720. Following is text supplied by Malacanan1 of joint statement issued Baguio evening July 11 by President Quirino and Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek:

“During the past 2 days, we had a full exchange of views on matters concerning Sino-Filipino cooperation and the relations among all the Far Eastern countries. We both feel happy to state that throughout the meeting, the atmosphere was permeated with a spirit of frankness and harmony.

In our discussions, we agreed that the relations between China and the Philippines should be further strengthened and that concrete and practical measures should immediately be taken by our respective governments for the promotion of a closer economic and cultural cooperation.

We also had a full discussion on the imperative of coordinated full development of the Far Eastern countries in order to insure their stability and security. In view of the lack of close collaboration among them in the past, and considering the gravity of the Communist menace which confronts their freedom and independence today, we deem it necessary that these countries should at once organize themselves into a union for the purpose of achieving solidarity and mutual assistance to contain and counteract that common threat.

A preliminary conference of authorized representatives of those countries desiring to participate in the formation of this union should be convened at the earliest possible moment to devise concrete measures for its organization. It is our hope that other countries in Asia and the [Page 1155] Pacific will eventually respond to the highest aims of the proposed union.

Gen. Chiang Kai-shek further stated:

‘Although I have come to the Philippines upon the invitation of President Quirino to confer with him in my private capacity, I shall, as leader of the Kuomintang, undertake to advise and request the Chinese Government to give its full support and to take steps to implement the agreements as announced in the above joint statement.’”

Sent Department 1720, repeated Canton 30.

Lockett
  1. Palace residence of the President.