Editorial Note
On April 6, 1951, President Quirino signed minimum wage legislation enacted by the Philippine Congress. Previously in 1951 the Philippine Government had passed into law income tax and foreign exchange tax measures. These actions were interpreted by the United States as “completing substantially the legislative action set forth” in the Quirino–Foster Agreement. (Remarks made by Mr. Foster to Secretary Romulo in Washington April 6 and made public that same day; transmitted to Manila in Ecato 271, April 9; FRC Lot 53 A 278.) A message to this effect from President Truman to President Quirino, not printed, was transmitted by the Embassy in Manila on April 10. (Enclosure to memorandum from Mr. Rusk to Mr. Acheson, April 6, 896.00(R)/4–651.)
On April 9 Mr. Foster authorized establishment of a Special Technical and Economic Mission (STEM) to the Philippines, and designated Mr. Checchi its Acting Chief.