329. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, April 24, 1974, 1610–1640.1 2
Washington, April 24, 1974,
1610–1640
ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
WASHINGTON 20301
In reply refer to: 1-3941/74
MEMORANDUM OF CONVERSATION
SUBJECT: Meeting between U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines William Sullivan and Secretary of Defense Schlesinger (U)
Participants:
- Secretary of Defense - James R. Schlesinger
- U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines - William H. Sullivan
- Assistant Secretary of State, East Asian & Pacific Affairs - Robert S. Ingersoll
- Philippines Country Director, Dept. of State - David C. Cuthell
- Director, Defense Security Assistance Agency - VADM Ray Peet
- Director, East Asia & Pacific Region, ISA - RADM T.J. Bigley
- Military Asst. to SecDef - B/GEN Robert C. Taylor
Time: 1610-1640, 24 April 1974
Place: Secretary Schlesinger’s office,
Pentagon
- 1.
- (C) Ambassador Sullivan said that he was in Washington in preparation for forthcoming negotiations expected to be held with the Filipinos prior to termination of the Laurel-Langley Treaty on 3 July 1974. President Marcos has indicated a desire to announce a new Philippine relationship with the United States which would include on the military side a new Military Base Agreement which would be tied to a coterminous provision to the Mutual Defense Treaty. Ambassador Sullivan said the Military Defense Treaty is now open-ended and the Military Base Agreement runs until 1991; however, Marcos would like to have both of these run for a specified period of time at which point they would be subject to review. Ambassador Sullivan stated that although the military assistance that we provide is not tied to the concept of rent for the bases, it is perceived by the Filipinos to be a quid for the use of the bases. Ambassador Sullivan stated that as a result of his contacts since he was been in Washington with both State and the Congress, he appreciates the fact that opening of discussions on the Military Base Agreement will most probably result in the Congress requiring that any new agreement be submitted as a treaty. This will give a higher profile to the negotiations than is desired, but Ambassador Sullivan feels we could always go back to the original agreement which expires in 1991 should congressional action preclude a new agreement.
- 2.
- (C) Ambassador Sullivan pointed out that past decision have specified a 20-25 million dollars annual military assistance level for the Philippines. There have been shortfalls in recent years and he is, therefore, hopeful of being able to obtain some excess items of military equipment for the [Page 2] Philippines as part of a quid to offset these shortfalls. He said that he had talked with VADM Peet about a shopping list that included replacement aircraft for the aging F-86s presently in the Philippine inventory. An F5-type aircraft is being looked into as a possible replacement. Secretary Schlesinger suggested we might look at F-100s from our reserve forces. VADM Peet said that we would do so. Ambassador Sullivan also mentioned a need for close support aircraft (T28, A37); a dual purpose civil/military air control and air defense system for the southern quadrant; diesel powered destroyer escorts; and LSTs, if such were available. The Ambassador said the Filipinos had been developing a rocket for use in seeding typhoons. Their rocket is presently limited to a ballistic mode but they desire a guidance system. He stated that he was trying to obtain a few NIKE cadavers with their guidance gear which we could give to the Filipinos and let them see what they could come up with in the way of a guidance system for their rocket. VADM Peet said he thought we might be able to get a couple of these as they phase out of Army inventory and would look into the matter.
- 3.
- (U) In discussing the possibilities of having to go to the treaty route rather than an executive agreement on the base rights issue, Secretary Schlesinger said he did not want to establish a precedent of including any quid in the text of any treaty for the use of bases.
- 4.
- (U) Ambassador Sullivan asked about the status of the new unified command plan and a short discussion of the plan ensued.
- 5.
- (U) In closing, Ambassador Sullivan said he had an invitation from President Marcos for Secretary and Mrs. Schlesinger to visit the Philippines in early May for the Corregidor celebration. Secretary Schlesinger said that he would not be able to accept but perhaps Admiral Gaylor could represent for that occasion. It was agreed to attempt to provide another four-star-level representative if Admiral Gaylor could not attend. Action has been initiated with CINCPAC to do so.
Memorandum of Conversation Prepared by: RADM T.J. Bigley
Approved by: [signed] Ray Peet
Date: 5/13/74
Distribution:
SecDef (1)
DepSecDeC (1)
OSD/CCS (1)
ASD (ISA)
DirDSAA (1)
DASD/EA&PA (ISA) (1)
ISA/RC (1)