361. Telegram From the Embassy in the Philippines to the Department of State 1
596. I delivered Secretary’s invitation to President Magsaysay August 24 at which time he indicated probability would not accept (this confirmed Deptel 6792).
Last evening after dinner at Malacanang3 I had further conversation with President re question of financial aid and his possible visit. I presented entire picture as set forth Deptel 6544 emphasizing that [Page 605] all efforts being made find and program expenditure funds such as he had in mind, but that there is as yet no final answer and that the allocation of money could not be announced at time of or in connection with his trip.
Magsaysay with some vehemence said obvious U.S. policy has changed since days when Quezon 5 and Quirino received monetary “gifts” from previous U.S. administrations on visit to the U.S. Said further Americans do not understand Asian mind when they fail realize importance gifts to friendly visitors and that his people would never understand his failure return from trip this kind without concrete evidence his close relations with governing officials country with which he has so completely cooperated.
I explained that regardless his decision re trip my government would continue efforts arrange financing rural rehabilitation program and that it was possible something would be accomplished. President requested that if there is a favorable finding such a program he be advised in advance any announcement so that question of timing can be discussed and decided between two of us at this end.
In direct reply Deptel 679 Magsaysay decision is firm he will not make trip. Although alternate to his signature agreement not discussed expect Romulo’s assumption is correct.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 796.11/8–2655. Secret; Priority; Limited Distribution.↩
- Not printed. (Ibid., 411.9641/8–2555)↩
- Malacanang Palace, the residence of the Philippine President.↩
- In telegram 654, August 25, the Department instructed Ferguson to inform Magsaysay that the United States would not be willing to announce additional aid to the Philippines during Magsaysay’s scheduled State visit, but would consider his aid requests. (Department of State, Central Files, 611.96/8–2355)↩
- Manuel L. Quezon, former President of the Philippine Commonwealth.↩