295. Letter From President Carter to Philippine President Marcos1
At the outset of my Administration, I wish to express my hope that the close ties and mutual respect that bind our two countries will grow stronger in the years ahead. I assure you that the United States will continue to be a good friend and a steadfast ally. We will work diligently to resolve all outstanding issues between us, including the most important, our military base negotiations.
I would also like to stress my strong hopes for continuing peace and stability in Southeast Asia. I regard the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as the key to these hopes. While the United States hopes to be able to establish more normal relations with the Indochinese states, as do the ASEAN nations, this will not lessen our support for the traditional friends of the United States. In particular, we remain firmly committed to the independence, security and territorial integrity of the Philippines. We support our Mutual Security Treaty.2
You know that I have directed that a thorough review of the entire matter of the base negotiations be undertaken.3 That review will be completed shortly. We will then be ready to resume the negotiations and hope to work with your representatives to reach a mutually satisfactory conclusion. Guided by the spirit of friendship and trust, I am confident we will be successful.
Mr. President, as you are aware, I personally attach major importance to the advancement of human rights, particularly personal liberty and due process. I intend to improve our record in the United States, and I hope that you will give your personal consideration to what might be done in the Philippines in this area as well.
Mr. President, the United States has no older or more loyal friend in the Pacific region than the Philippines. The American people and I are confident that this friendship is solidly based on shared interests and values and will endure. It is in that spirit that I have written. And [Page 979] it is in this spirit that I would welcome your views on these matters and any other matters of mutual concern.
Sincerely,
- Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, President’s Correspondence with Foreign Leaders File, Box 16, Philippines: President Ferdinand E. Marcos, 4/77–4/80. No classification marking. Brzezinski sent a copy of the letter to Carter under a March 31 covering memorandum, recommending that Carter sign the letter “if you agree that a letter to Marcos is needed.” (Ibid.)↩
- Reference is to the Mutual Defense Treaty; see footnote 4, Document 293.↩
- Reference is to PRM–14; see Document 291.↩