Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, East Asia and the Pacific, Volume XII, Part 1

751G.00/5–1054

Memorandum of Conversation, by the Officer in Charge of Philippine Affairs (Bell)

secret

Washington, May 10, 1954.

Subject:

• Conversation with Philippine representatives with respect to united action and consultation under the terms of the United States-Philippine Defense Treaty.

Participants:

• The Secretary
• General Carlos F. Romulo, Personal Representative of President Magsaysay
• Mr. Emilio Abello, Philippine Chargé d’Affaires a.i.
• G—Mr. Murphy
• PSA—Mr. Bell

General Romulo and Mr. Abello called on the Secretary at 11:30 a.m., May 10, at the Secretary’s request.

General Romulo referred to an earlier conversation which he had had with Mr. Murphy and an aide-mémoire which he had left with Mr. Murphy¹ requesting that the United States consult with the Philippines under the terms of the United States-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty. He stated that the five power conference, which according to the New York Times was being held in Singapore, would have a bad effect in the Philippines and throughout Asia because Asian states were not represented. The Secretary told General Romulo that this story was incorrect—that no such conference was being held. The Secretary later said that he might be asked a question on this matter at his press conference tomorrow and that, if so, he would deny the report of the conference.

General Romulo said that it was very important for domestic, political reasons that the United States agree to hold consultations looking to implementation of the Mutual Defense Treaty. He suggested that discussions as to the role which the Philippine armed forces would play in the event of an attack should be the subject of consultation between a panel appointed by President Magsaysay and our Military Mission in the Philippines. He stated that these discussions would prepare the ground for further consultations between Secretary Wilson and President Magsaysay on May 24.²

The Secretary stated that the United States was prepared to consult under the terms of the Mutual Defense Treaty and that, in fact, we believe such consultation is highly desirable. He said that he thought the discussion between Secretary Wilson and President Magsaysay would be useful and that he would discuss the matter with Secretary Wilson before the latter’s departure.

The Secretary stated that he held little hope for any constructive results at Geneva. He pointed out that the Communists would not accept any effective international control.

The Secretary suggested that it would be helpful if the Philippines would recognize the Associated States. General Romulo was noncommittal but stated that, before making a decision, the Filipinos would like to see the text of the proposed treaty between France and Viet-Nam. The Secretary stated that the political treaty was completed but an economic treaty was still under consideration and that the political treaty was secret. He said that he had spoken to Bao Dai when in Europe and had found him satisfied with the agreement. The Secretary said that he believed the treaty with Laos was satisfactory.³

The Secretary stated further that we were still actively interested in the further development of united action in Southeast Asia and that he expected the Philippines would play an important role, but that we wanted to await developments in Geneva and Indochina before taking further steps, with respect to military action.

The Secretary re-emphasized that the Philippines would be fully informed of any steps taken or conferences held with respect to united action or defense measures in Southeast Asia.

General Romulo stated that he would immediately inform President Magsaysay of the substance of this conversation.

After leaving the Secretary’s office, General Romulo told Mr. Bell that President Magsaysay would be delighted with the Secretary’s statement that we would be glad to consult under the terms of the Mutual Defense Treaty.

1. Murphy’s memorandum of this conversation, with attached aide-mémoire, is not printed here. (796.5/5–354)
2. Telegram 2665 from Manila, May 25, contained an account of Secretary Wilson’s meeting with President Magsaysay. (796.5 MSP/5–2554)
3. A French-Laotian Treaty of Friendship was signed on Oct. 22, 1953; for text, see L’Année Politique, 1953, pp. 582–586. France and Vietnam initialed two treaties on Apr. 28, 1954, one on independence and one on Vietnamese association with France. The treaties were not ratified. For texts, see ibid., 1954, pp. 572–573.