Office of the Historian

Manila Post Files: 430.1 Napalm Bomb

Memorandum by the First Secretary of the Embassy in the Philippines (Roper) to the Ambassador (Cowen)

secret
[Manila,] September 24, 1951.

Subject: Napalm Bomb

Colonel Grady Butler telephoned this morning in connection with the napalm bomb. He said that Secretary Magsaysay had spoken again to General Pierson on this subject, and said he was very anxious to begin using the bomb as soon as possible. Colonel Butler wanted to know whether we had any recent information on the subject and, when I answered in the negative, he asked whether the Embassy would send a telegram to the Department inquiring as to the present status of the napalm bomb for the PAF. I told him that I thought it inadvisable to send a telegram in view of your imminent arrival, and the fact that you probably have some recent information on the whole subject. Colonel Butler agreed to wait until your return before pressing the matter further.1

  1. In telegram DA 82513, received by the JUSMAG in the Philippines on September 9, Army G–3 had stated: “No decision on the issue of Napalm to the Philippines yet forthcoming. State position is that such issuance must not be prejudicial to soonest interests in the Far East. Stated decision awaits results of a discussion of the matter between Ambassador Cowen and yourself upon the Ambassador’s return to the Philippines.” (Manila Post Files: 430.1 Napalm Bomb)

    Ambassador Cowen did not return to Manila until October 15. In a memorandum of October 16 in reply to Mr. Roper, he stated: “There were no further talks in Washington on this subject and it is perfectly agreeable to send a telegram.” (Manila Post Files: 430.1 Napalm Bomb) No such telegram of inquiry has been found in State Department files, prior to telegram 1509 from Manila, October 25. (See footnote 4, p. 1573.)

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