Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, Asia and the Pacific, Volume VI, Part 1

694.001/7–2451: Telegram

The Ambassador in the Philippines (Cowen) to the Secretary of State

secret
priority

Manila, July 24, 1951—5 p. m.

338. I informed Romulo that Dept unable accept Phil redraft Art 14.¹ Thereupon he asked me transmit further revision quoted Embtel 316, July 23.² I agreed to do so but told him at same time that I had no reason to believe latest redraft wld be any more acceptable than previous ones. Romulo said again Quirino and his 15-man comite³ are still of opinion Phils shld not sign peace treaty unless reparations clause worded along lines proposed. Will appreciate Dept’s reaction to latest proposed revision Art 14. Since some semblance of compromise is badly needed here, I am wondering whether Dept cld suggest some rephrasing of Art 14 that wld be innocuous to us but at same time give Phils feeling that there has been a compromise meaningless as it may be. Some such minor redrafting will inevitably soften Phil reaction and if coupled with offer to conclude mutual defense pact as suggested in Deptel 213, July 19 [18],⁴ might enable Quirino and his fifteen-man comite to recede from their present extreme position. It shld be borne in mind that this 15-man comite is bipartisan and represents all walks of life. Romulo is pretty well resigned to the inevitable and is looking anxiously for means of extricating Phils from present situation.

Fifteen-man comite is mtg again tomorrow.

Cowen

1. See footnote 2, p. 1215.

2. Not printed. The revision mentioned follows:

   “‘(a) It is recognized that Japan shld pay reparation for the damage and suffering caused by the war and shld make adequate reparation to the Allied powers.

   Therefore, Japan agrees to promptly enter into negots with Allied powers so desiring, whose present territories were occupied by Japanese forces, for the purpose of determining the amount of reparation to be paid by her, the manner of payment, the commencement and period of the time within which payment shall be made, and such other terms as may be necessary for the purpose of complying with its obligation: provided, however, that the agreement to pay reparations shall take into account the ability of Japan to pay, during the period that may be stipulated, and shall avoid the imposition of additional liabilities from other Allied powers. In case of disagreement between Japan and any one of the Allied powers on any matter or subject of negotiation, the same shall be promptly referred to the Internatl Court of Justice for settlement and final decision. The jurisdiction of the Internatl Court of justice over all questions referred to it for settlement under this article shall include the authority to employ the assistance of any organ or agency of the United Nations for the enforcement of its orders or decision.’”(694.001/7–2351)

3. A committee (with representatives from most Philippine political factions) which had been established to advise President Quirino on the reparations problem.
4. Ante, p. 224.