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

Manila Post Files: 430.1 Napalm Bomb: Telegram

The Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, United States Army (Jenkins) to the Chief of the Joint United States Military Advisory Group in the Philippines (Pierson)

secret

Washington, December [18?], 1951.

DA 90243. Re your message 6667, 15 December 1951¹ Following is State–Defense agreement² on control of use of Napalm in the Philippines by the AFP: Department of State and Department of Defense agree that any use of Napalm supplied under MDAP should be closely controlled and supervised by the United States. Because of political implications, Napalm supplied under MDAP will be stored under United States control and issued to the AFP only after approval by Chief Jusmag of specific strike and target. In accordance with basic directive to Chief Jusmag Phil, to keep the Ambassador informed of pertinent activities, he will on a continuing basis consult with and keep the Ambassador fully informed concerning the use of Napalm insofar as such use would have political implications or repercussions. Selection of strictly military targets and tactical use of Napalm is a military responsibility.

FY 1951 Program being revised to include 200 Napalm 114 gallon bombs, combat ready, total cost dollars 36,600. Instructions will be forthcoming from AF to requisition from Clark Field stock.³

Jenkins

1. Not found in Department of State files.
2. In a memorandum of December 18, to General Olmsted, Mr. Merchant, now Special Assistant to the Secretary for Mutual Security Affairs, stated: “The Department of State concurs with the instructions proposed in your memorandum of December 13, 1951, ‘Use of Napalm by Philippine Armed Forces.’” (796.5–MAP/12–1851) The mentioned document has not been found in Department of State files.
3. In a note of January 3, 1952, to Felino Neri, Philippine Under Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Chargé Harrington in part officially informed the Philippine Government that “a limited number of napalm bombs will be made available, to the Armed Forces, Philippines. … Details of procurement and use of napalm shall be determined in conferences to be held by the Philippine Secretary of National Defense and the Chief Advisor of JUSMAG.” (Manila Post Files: 430.1 Napalm Bomb)