Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, Asia and the Pacific, Volume VI, Part 2

796.5–MAP/9–1751: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Philippines

secret

Washington, September 17, 1951—6 p. m.

897. Harrington from Melby. Urlet Sep 6 re ten million fund,¹ we have not yet discussed question with Def. Dept unable take firm view at present reproposal because of fol combined factors: (a) it contrary basic concept on which Pres based his approval making fund available² (b) impossibility know disposition future Phil Cong re additional funds required and (c) lack compelling evidence need for additional troops.

Emb well aware basic concept mentioned (a) and there no change Dept view re this. Re (b) problem bothering Cowen and me is how these additional troops wld be paid once present funds exhausted particularly since they cld hardly be worth much in less than six mos period and public consequences recruiting and later demobilizing wld be most unfortunate.

Re (c) I have heard unconfirmed reports that Magsaysay believes mil aspect Huk problem so near solution he now beginning consider other ways army can be utilized.

Magsaysay shld be told no decision can be made prior results Nov elections and he shld be given no encouragement expect favorable decision. In meantime Gen Pierson shld make definite mil decision re need for additional troops. Am confident you can impress on Pierson that this question requires coordinated approach. [Melby.]

Webb

1. Letter not found in Department of State files. Other documents in file 796.5–MAP for 1951 indicate that the letter concerned a request by Secretary Magsaysay that $5 million of the $10 million budgetary assistance fund be used for the creation of additional AFP units.
2. See footnote 3, p. 1535.