Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Southeast Asia, Volume XXII

393. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Philippines¹

Washington, June 28, 1956—6:12 p.m.

4454. There follows full final text Nixon–Magsaysay statement:

“Vice President Nixon has discussed with President Magsaysay the necessity for strengthening military bases in the Philippines in order to bolster the common defense of the two countries as well as that of the Free World in this area. President Magsaysay concurred in the need for such a step for the mutual benefit of both countries. The President and the Vice President agreed that the two Governments will hold formal negotiations on military bases in the near future, and that these negotiations will be conducted on the basis of the following general principles:

(1) The existence of a system of United States bases in the Philippines has been, and continues to be, a matter of mutual interest and concern to the two countries, for the purpose of insuring their common defense pursuant to the principles of the United Nations.

(2) In consonance with this mutuality of interest and concern, certain land areas in the Philippines have been and are being used by the United States as bases. The Philippine Government will contribute, for use in accordance with the terms of the Military Bases Agreement, the additional land which is deemed necessary by both Governments for the strengthening of the base system; the United States will turn over to the Philippine Government those areas listed in the Military Bases Agreement which the parties may hereafter agree are no longer needed. In addition, the United States has contributed and will contribute such personnel, equipment and physical facilities as may be necessary for the effective maintenance of such bases for the defense of the Philippines and the United States in this area.

(3) The United States has, since the independence of the Philippines, always acknowledged the sovereignty of the Philippines over such bases; and expressly reaffirms full recognition of such Philippine sovereignty over the bases. Further, the United States will transfer and turn over to the Philippines all title papers and title claims held by the United States to all land areas used either in the past or presently as military bases, except those areas which may now or will be used by the United States for its diplomatic and consular establishment. Such transfer of title papers and title claims will not affect use of the bases in accordance with the terms of the Military Bases Agreement.”²

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 033.1100–NI/6–2856. Secret; Niact. Drafted and approved by Bell.
2. This statement was delivered by Nixon on July 3. He arrived in Manila on that day and left the Philippines on July 6. Following his visit to the Philippines, Nixon toured several other Asian countries. Documentation regarding Nixon’s trip is Ibid., 033.1100–NI and ibid., Conference Files: Lot 62 D 181, CF 729A.