Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, South and Southeast Asia, Volume XV

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

Manila, May 20, 1958—6 p.m.

5208. 1. Sen Recto² yesterday filed resolution co-signed by 17 other Senators which would require consent of Congress before ballistic missiles could be stockpiled or launching sites established in Phils. Resolution not signed by Sen President Rodriguez, Sen majority floor leader Primicias, Senators Pelaez and Sumulong³ (last two did not sign since resolution being referred to their committees) and Sen Alonto who was absent.⁴

2. Resolution employs “lightning rod” concept that existence of missile stockpile and launching sites could make Phils prime target and in event of war enemy missiles with nuclear warheads could totally destroy country in matter of minutes. Also states that US offer to NATO countries to establish missile sites in those countries accepted only by UK.

3. Resolution refers to establishment of Mutual Defense Board and press reports that board in dealing with “military matters of mutual concern” would take up missile base question. Statements by Deputy Secretary of Defense Quarles, Assistant Secretary of State Robertson and CHJUSMAG Phil re missile bases and missiles received considerable press coverage in Phils and has kept this matter in public eye. In addition some senators undoubtedly aware AFP desire for missiles and missile training. Suggestion for latter has been made in letter from Arellano to CHJUSMAG.⁵

4. Recto scheduled to make major speech in Senate tomorrow on defense and foreign policy issues at which time he will probably touch on bases matters including missile bases.⁶

Bohlen

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 711.56396/5–2058. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to CINCPAC for POLAD, CINCPACFLT, CINCPACAF, USARPAC, CINCPACREPPHIL, and 13th AF.
2. Senator Claro M. Recto.
3. Senator Emanuel Pelaez, Chairman, Philippine Senate National Defense Committee; Senator Lorenzo Sumulong, Chairman, Philippine Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
4. The resolution passed the Philippine Senate unanimously on May 21.
5. The letter from General Arellano, AFP Chief of Staff, is not printed.
6. The Embassy in Manila believed that Recto’s action was prompted by his suspicion over the recent U.S.-Philippine agreement to establish the Mutual Defense Board. The Garcia administration had not kept Philippine congressional leaders well-informed. A detailed account is in despatch 65 from Manila, “The Missile Bases Controversy,” July 23. (Department of State, Central Files, 711.56396/7–2358)