790.5/7–2651: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Philippines (Cowen) to the Secretary of State
376. Ref Deptel 304, July 25.1 UP story stemmed from fol:
At luncheon given for Gov Dewey2 July 19 Pres Quirino made short address in which he said: “We in Phils initiated the idea of a Pacific pact in 1949. We want the idea carried out now. We hope you can help us when you return to Amer. The Phils must be the anchor of such a Pacific security pact.”
Dewey replied in very gen terms stating: “I am equally sure that the program for mutual defense will be gratifying to each and every one—both the Phils and the US… The relationship between our countries will grow firmly and securely and will provide the cornerstone for the ultimate realization of the dream first launched by Pres Quirino of a united Pacific against aggression.”
The Fon Office on July 21 issued press release on Dewey luncheon in which above quotation from Quirino speech was given verbatim. [Page 231] This press release stated that “diplomatic circles” interpreted Quirino’s speech to mean that “the Filipino leader has given the go ahead signal for the start of negots with Wash to press for either the inclusion of the Phils in the projected US-Australian-New Zealand security pact or for a separate Phil–US mutual defense treaty.” Govt actually anxious to prevent Recto claiming credit in event such alliance concluded.
There have been no negots held on this subject.
- This telegram reads: “UP July 23 recd Manila’s story quoting Romulo Statement that Phil-Amer negots already initiated on security pact which wld satisfy Phil desires this problem. Romulo reportedly expressed his hope such treaty cld be signed prior Jap peace treaty. Your comments explanation wld be appreciated as to why Romulo made this rather extraordinary statement and on what he based his assumption. Strictly FYI Phil alliance still requires approval by Pres and JCS as well as consultation with certain key Cong leaders.” (790.5/7–2651)↩
- Governor Thomas E. Dewey of New York, then on a tour of several East Asian countries.↩