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

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

Manila, August 14, 1956—6 p.m.

410. State pass Defense; CINCPAC. Sent State for Robertson, Defense for Robertson and Gray from Nufer and Bendetsen. Summary U.S. presentation reported Embtel 397.²

Major lines developed were:

1. Base system intended develop defensive shield in Philippines so that aggression here by Communists would involve risk global war, risk unacceptable to them as would be disastrous to Communist cause.

2. Weak undefended soft spots invite Commie local aggression whether by covert or overt means.

3. While Phil base system desirable in both Phil and common defense, we attempted to dispel any impression that we have no place else to go.

4. Phil bases reflect U.S. forward strategy and U.S. intent defend Phil and free Asia.

5. In light U.S. presentation of threat what are Phil views on defense requirements for Philippines?

Development this tactical line clearly placed ball in Phil court. They obviously unprepared this approach and fully expected U.S. presentation conclude with list of base requirements. Our objective is to force Phils show their hand completely as to grievances as rapidly as possible before disclosing U.S. position on land requirements and lands to be released.

Fully appreciate Phil administration as result numerous grievances has domestic political problem re U.S. bases to which we must give sympathetic consideration. Although we feel Magsaysay and Pelaez anxious conduct negotiations in manner beneficial both countries, it seems to us that from realistic domestic political point view especially in light Presidential elections next year Phil Govt will insist satisfactory settlement major grievances. Believe in past years we may have been generous but not always understanding of their domestic political problems. Consider essential that during course these discussions we be prepared reach mutually satisfactory agreements without direct revision MBA which are major domestic political irritants to Magsaysay.

Phil panel met 0800 hours today to prepare its presentation on Wednesday.AFP source indicated to members Bendetsen group last night that AFP agrees with U.S estimate of threat. Also reported that Phil Congressmen Cuenco and Babao³ stated U.S. bluffing in creating impression that we would have other alternative to Phil bases for defense U.S. and Phil should call U.S. bluff. We consider most unlikely Phil administration will give serious thought this tactic but Cuenco may express personal view.

Press coverage extensive and detailed. Most papers reproduced full text Bendetsen’s opening and closing remarks which were released to press. Press reaction fairly objective and moderate in tone.

Nufer

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 711.56396/8–1456. Secret.
2. Telegram 397 from Nufer and Bendetsen, August 13, summarized the second formal meeting with Philippine representatives in regard to the proposed revision of the Military Bases Agreement. (Ibid., 711.56396/8–1356) The talks began on August 11.
3. Mariano Cuenco and Numeriano U. Babao, members of the Philippine negotiating panel.