Office of the Historian

391. Telegram From the Embassy in the Philippines to the Department of State1

Manila, June 15, 1956—7 p.m.

3473. From Sebald. On the basis of conversations which I have had with President Magsaysay, influential Filipinos and concerned Embassy officers, I strongly believe we should make some gestures on occasion 10th anniversary Phil independence to highlight special US-Phil relationship, strengthen US-Phil relations and help create more favorable atmosphere for forthcoming base negotiations. Embassy officers concerned…are unanimously of opinion, in which I concur, that V.P. Nixon or in his absence2 Ambassador Nufer should be authorized to announce on July 4 that both US and Phil flags will henceforth fly at all US bases in Phils. Believe this gesture would have highly favorable reaction Phils and underline partnership concept our mutual defense arrangements.

We also of opinion Nufer should be authorized on occasion presentation credentials to inform Magsaysay US prepared agree issuance [Page 653] public statement solution ownership issue along lines draft recommended Embtel 2889.3 Phraseology could be modified somewhat to conform to occasion but preferably should be tied in with Magsaysay–Dulles conversation last March.4 As pointed out last para Embtel 2889, we would not mention any specific timing for withdrawal claims. President Magsaysay in conversation with me today referred to forthcoming base negotiations and reaffirmed that Phil Govt would be willing provide lands required for expansion bases.

Burrows
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 711.56396/6–1556. Secret; Limited Distribution.↩
  2. Nixon’s planned visit to the Philippines for the tenth anniversary celebration had not yet been confirmed.↩
  3. In telegram 2889, April 13, Burrows suggested the following wording for the joint statement in regard to the question of ownership: “Pursuant to the principles of partnership, the United States acknowledges the sovereignty of the Phils on such bases and is prepared to withdraw its claim to their titles; on her part, the Phils agrees to grant the United States such authorization as may be necessary to operate the bases effectively.” (Department of State, Central Files, 711.56396/4–1356)↩
  4. See footnote 4, Document 346.↩