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

4028. Re Embtels 4006 and 4008.2

[Page 841]
1.
Fol is recapitulation of developments over last weekend concerning third-power aircraft AFD MATS contract-carrier flight.
a)
Late Friday afternoon, Mar 28, Emb officer received phone call from Minister Arreglado3 of Foreign Office requesting that Emb assure that no Thai Air Force planes would proceed directly to Clark pending further discussions between the Amb and Serrano scheduled for Apr 1. Arreglado further stated that PAF had been directed force down any such aircraft without proper clearance, namely, diplomatic clearances. When queried concerning effect of this decision on ChiNat aircraft Arreglado stated this applicable to such planes. However when Emb officer pointed out that these planes under US operational control and conducted on regularly scheduled basis for purpose ferrying mil aid and USAF cargoes, Arreglado indicated that ruling not intended to apply such aircraft but applicable to Thais. Emb officer reported developments to 13th AF to make certain no Thai aircraft would be scheduled prior to meeting between Amb and Serrano.
b)
On Sat, Mar 29, due notice given to Phil air traffic control authorities of anticipated arrival scheduled ChiNat AF planes. Air control authorities directed plane should land at Manila International Airport. Thirteenth AF thereupon ordered cancellation of flight and issued instructions all third-power aircraft flights be deferred pending resolution current difficulties by Emb and Foreign Office.
c)
On Sun, Mar 30, regularly scheduled MATS contract-carrier World Airways flight when reporting penetration Phil ADIZ was directed by Manila ARTC to land at Manila. Plane reported situation and requested instructions from Clark Tower. Thirteenth AF directed MATS World Airways plane to land at Clark since it by that time Clark area.
d)
Emb officer contacted Arreglado late that evening to report incident. Arreglado stated that instructions to land at Manila International Airport were not intended to be applicable to USAF MATS contract-carrier flights and he claimed he unaware such flights taking place. In response to Emb officer’s statement that action being taken by air traffic control people unusual in light of fact that matter is being discussed by Amb and Secy Serrano, Arreglado assured Emb officer he will take steps to correct misinterpretation by traffic control authorities. World Airways plane given routine clearance to depart last night by traffic control authorities and this morning’s scheduled arrival of MATS regularly scheduled contract-carrier occurred routinely in normal manner regular clearances by Phil authorities.
2.
When informed of the action by the Phil Govt which forced 13th AF cancelled ChiNat flights, contacted Secy Defense Vargas and discussed matter with him. Vargas indicated he aware of problem generally but did not know of specific actions taken this weekend which resulted in cancellation of all flights. He fully appreciative of mil significance and sympathetic our position. He assured me he would attempt see Serrano as soon as possible to discuss matter with [Page 842] him. He further indicated that he doubted PAF would take any action such as indicated to Emb officer by Arreglado. This further confirmed by discussions Emb officer had with AFP who apparently unaware of current developments.
3.
I have reviewed problem with CINCPACREPPHIL and Comdr 13th AF. Was unable to see Serrano this afternoon but have appointment for tomorrow in effort develop satisfactory solution present difficulties.
Bohlen
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 711.56396/3–3158. Secret. Repeated to CINCPAC, PACAF, CINCPACFLT, CINCPACREPPHIL, COMNAVPHIL, AND 13th AFSAMAP.
  2. In telegrams 4006 and 4008 from Manila, both dated March 30, Bohlen reported that the Commander of the 13th Air Force had ordered the cancellation of third-power aircraft scheduled to land at Clark Air Base, and that Bohlen had asked for an appointment with Serrano. (Ibid., 711.56396/3–3058)
  3. Juan M. Arreglado, Minister for Legal Affairs and Treaties, Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.