796.00/12–1052: Telegram
No. 322
The Ambassador in the Philippines
(Spruance) to the Department of State
1679. No distribution. Eyes only Allison. Senator Macario Peralta, strong liberal follower of Quirino and active in vets affairs on [Page 520] Dec 9 called without previous appointment on Ely and made in substance fol statement:
He was calling request Ely bring Amb’s attention his belief that Emb personnel were becoming involved in Phil internal politics, in short, were campaigning for Magsaysay specifically and against Quirino generally. Pressed for details, he mentioned Col Lansdale of JUSMAG and James D. Bell, Polit Officer now en route USA1 (which Peralta did not know). He alleged it was common gossip that Lansdale was openly working for Magsaysay and Quirino was “muttering” about it. Peralta blamed Lansdale for Laurel’s recent challenge to Quirino that both withdraw and leave field to Magsaysay. His mention of Bell not connected with Magsaysay and apparently arose from fact Bell in addition good contacts with Liberals had excellent contacts with and held in high regard by Nacionalista’s Party to a degree that enabled him to get accurate info not generally available to less active and energetic officers. (At this point I desire to emphasize this msg not to be construed as reflection either Lansdale or Bell, both of whom I regarded as outstanding men who have not stepped outside the limits of their duties and instructions). Peralta reiterated familiar line Filipinos had done everything we asked and wanted to know if we wanted them to “Do what French did and tell you to take your aid and go home”. Asked if he was appearing by direction of either his party or Pres Quirino, he said had not discussed with President Quirino, but had with members of party who agreed with him something had to be done. Alleged some of younger hot heads wanted to make speeches attacking Embassy.
It is Ely’s considered opinion in which I and Lacy concur that call was made with full knowledge and approval liberal hierarchy including Quirino in the hope that thinly veiled threat of public attack for interference domestic elections might slacken pressure for free election and domestic reform. Quirino probably under considerable pressure from irresponsible and difficult to control elements in his party, led by men like Peralta who has been constant problem for years. Some minor attacks possible but open all out attacks on US Govt as whole not likely be resorted to except as last desperate resort. Such attacks might elicit some support younger groups but would lose more among more conservative elements. These tactics historically have been politically advantageous in some instances but only when led by men in whom people had much more confidence than Quirino, Peralta et al now enjoy. At one time party in power wld have had no difficulty disposing of opposition on whom pro-Amer tag cld be pinned but this by no means [Page 521] certain now and Emb interprets call and msg as evidence Quirino’s fear his principal campaign plan, that only he can get Amer aid is threatened.
See msg preceding concerning Cabinet mtg Dec 10.2
- Bell had been First Secretary of the Embassy in Manila.↩
- Presumably the reference should be to immediately “succeeding” telegram 1680 from Manila, which reported that President Quirino had told his Cabinet to stop the activities of NAMFREL (National Movement for Free Elections). Informed of this, Ambassador Spruance again indicated that the United States was determined to make the maximum contribution to free elections consistent with Philippine sovereignty. (796.00/12–1052)↩