Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, East Asia and the Pacific, Volume XII, Part 2

796.00/5–2553: Telegram

No. 333
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Philippines

secret

Manila, May 29, 1953—6:24 p.m.

3645. Your 3495¹ states “situation now more than before indicates serious danger bloodshed, all out corruption for November elections”. In view your 3334² opportunity may now arise get across effectively to Quirino US views as follows: US impartial re candidates and intends cooperate with any administration that comes into power through free exercise will Philippine people. US confident Quirino appreciates US motives, shares conviction that, regardless of outcome, proper conduct at all levels forthcoming elections would consolidate great progress made past five years under his leadership, and realizes eyes of US and world on Philippines. Widespread attention paid recent press speculation on conduct elections does indicate need for vigilance. US confident Philippine Government and people will meet this test in way that will completely discredit such speculation and will contribute further to already high position among free nations of world.

If Ambassador perceives no objections request find appropriate occasion convey substance above Quirino. Believe in general it should do utmost keep US-Philippine relations above domestic politics and consequently plans no postponement until after elections of any pending matters as MDAP, Trade Agreement or military bases negotiations.³

Smith

1. Dated May 25, not printed.
2. Telegram 3334, May 7, reported on the efforts of Spruance and Lacy, partly through the efforts of a Philippine intermediary, to improve relations with President Quirino. During a discussion on May 7 with the two American officials on outstanding questions of U.S.-Philippine relations, not including the elections, Quirino appeared conciliatory. Part of his dislike for Spruance seemed to stem from his belief that the latter had snubbed him by not inviting him to dinner. Spruance informed the President that he had tried to do so during the previous summer through the Foreign Ministry but had been told that Quirino could not accept invitations from chiefs of diplomatic missions. The President expressed astonishment, and the Ambassador indicated that he would be happy to have him as a guest in the near future. (611.96/5–753)
3. On June 24, Spruance wrote to Assistant Secretary for Far Eastern Affairs Walter S. Robertson to say that he had not acted on telegram 3645 because Quirino’s illness had prevented him from seeing the President for some weeks. (796.00/6–2453)