890.20/8–149: Telegram
The Chargé in the Philippines (Lockett) to the Secretary of State
1859. Embtels 1702, July 10;1 1805, July 25; and despatch 575, June 21. Carlos Romulo July 29 informed me he is willing work on plans for Pacific union and assist implementation those plans provided Quirino agrees to two following conditions: (1) that the union be made a non-partisan matter so far as Philippine politics are concerned; and (2) that the union be divorced from Chiang Kai-shek.
[Page 1180]Romulo stated that Quirino has so far proved stubborn on these points but that he hoped to gain his approval during a breakfast conference July 30. Should he be unable to bring Quirino to his way of thinking, he said, he would return to New York.
July 31 Clay2 of this Embassy discussed matter with Romulo and Secretary Finance Pedrosa. Romulo stated he has so far had little success persuading Quirino agree second condition. Pedrosa, who perhaps reflects President’s thinking this subject, stated he is not convinced Chinese Communists will be able long retain present gains. He said Chinese people are by nature conservative, have already shown restiveness in areas occupied by Communists, as witnessed by recent guerrilla activity, and may soon bring about defeat of Communist forces. View paucity Filipino experience with Chinese other than conservative local merchants as outlined reference despatch, Philippine officialdom is ill-equipped interpret recent events agrarian and other areas China or resist remarkable persuasive qualities possessed by Chinese in general or those of type included Chiang’s entourage in particular. Accordingly Quirino’s sentimental belief in capabilities Chiang and his regime may die hard.