796.5–MAP/7–2751: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Philippines (Cowen) to the Secretary of State
393. For Melby. Re Deptel 72, July 61 submission joint plans re napalm delayed as JUSMAG states no instructions received from Defense as of 26th.
In acceding to compromise on use napalm I made it clear to Hobbs that following conditions minimum: (1) all bombs and parts to be stored at Clark Field only and not released PAF without JUSMAG approval (2) each proposed napalm bombing mission by PAF to be specifically approved in advance and closely supervised by JUSMAG.
PAF now using locally made makeshift (see mytel 3750 May 25 and Embdes 1692 May 22).2 This has technical disadvantages including requirement that it be fired after dropping, by incendiary bullets.
PAF extremely anxious use our napalm and I feel that if above conditions observed we should allow limited purchase. Any napalm procured by Phils would be on reimbursable basis separate and apart from MDAP.
[Page 1553]I would insist that no use would be made of napalm prior elections, and Hobbs assures me that supply could not be obtained earlier even if ordered now.3
- See footnote 1 to the Ambassador’s memorandum of July 9 to Mr. Cuthell, p. 1550.↩
- Neither printed. In the course of despatch 1692 the Embassy had mentioned that the Philippine Government had first requested napalm bombs for use against the HMB in November, 1949. (796.5614/5–2251)↩
- In telegram 421, August 3, drafted by Mr. Melby, the Department replied: “Urtel 393, July 27. Dept assumes you did not mean napalm cld or shld be used without your prior knowledge and concurrence. Pls confirm.” (796.5–MAP/7–2751) In telegram 580 from Manila, August 10, the Ambassador stated: “Wld prefer delay my reply Deptel 421, August 3 pending discussion with General Pierson, who is due to arrive about August 15. As of August 7 JUSMAG still without instructions from Defense on this matter.” (796.5614/8–1051) Maj. Gen. Albert Pierson was General Hobbs’ replacement as Chief of JUSMAG.↩