796.5 MAP/9–2950: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Philippines (Cowen) to the Secretary of State
767. Tomap. Initial survey team report on military assistance to the Philippines is being dispatched to FMACC courier 30 September 1950. Basic and immediate recommendations are as follows:
- a.
- JUSMAG–MAAG organization time being at least should continue as at present to administer MDAP in Philippines with consultation as recommended in Tomap number 765, dated 29 September.1
- b.
- Assistance should be provided on a grant aid basis due to: (A) Importance of Philippine Islands in US defense system, (B) The present financial condition of the Philippine Island Government, (C) As a boost to our sincerity and prestige in the Philippine Islands and SEA.
- c.
- Steps should be taken to effect soonest delivery of equipment under fiscal year 1950 MDA program and approval of fiscal year 1951 basic and supplemental MDA programs (as amended by service team reports which follow) should be accomplished without delay.
- d.
- Consideration should be given to stationing US combat troops (not less than a reinforced division) in the Philippine Islands as soon as the troops can be made available in view of the present international situation.
- e.
- Consideration should be given to stockpiling supplies, equipment and ammunition in the Philippine Islands under US control with a view to strengthening US position in this area.
- f.
- The cost of any increase (above that now planned for in the fiscal year 1950 program) which may be necessary in the size of the Philippine Armed Forces be borne by US until the Philippine economy is in a position to bear these costs itself.
- g.
- Careful consideration should be given to possibly reestablishing the Philippine scouts on their pre-war basis with American officers to replace the present Philippine constabulary which is far from being satisfactory as a policing force.
- h.
- Recommend limited funds be made available … to Philippine National Intelligence Coordinating Agency for anti-Huk covert activities, Embassy to be kept advised re expenditures and results obtained.
- i.
- Contingent upon availability of US funds, the Philippine ground forces should be built up to the equivalent of two divisions (as recommended by the army team below) as soon as possible and remain at that level until the present Huk situation is completely ended.
Recommendations of service teams of survey mission regarding immediate aid for the Philippines are as follows:
Army.
Recommend full implementation of the fiscal year 1951 basic and supplemental MDAP programs as submitted by JUSMAG except for 1 AAA battalion and certain non-essential items which should be deleted. Details pertaining to these recommended deletions are contained in the army interim report being forwarded by courier.
Navy.
Recommend continued implementation fiscal year 1950 program and approval and implementation soonest of fiscal year 1951 and fiscal year 1951 supplemental navy program, as submitted by JUSMAG.
Air Force.
The equipment included in the fiscal year 1950 and the proposed fiscal year 1951 program and supplement thereto (as submitted by JUSMAG) I deemed adequate to improve the effectiveness of the PAF. Copy of the supplemental fiscal year 1951 program and a request for student allotments at US schools is being forwarded in Air Force section of the survey mission report.
Coast Guard.
Recommend for first priority ten 30 ft. Chris-Craft cruisers or equal including three years spares and peculiar consumable supplies. For second priority (for Marine division of customs) nine 30 ft. Chris-Craft cruisers or equal including three years spares and peculiar consumable supplies. These craft to be consigned to CINC, PNP, for Stateside delivery aboard Philippine Navy LST. Request this information be provided CINCFE through military channels from Washington.
Signed Melby; Erskine agrees.
- Not printed.↩