323. Letter From President Carter to Philippine President Marcos1
Thank you for your letter of May 3, 1978,2 with the thoughtful and perceptive views on the relationship between our two countries. I particularly wish to express my appreciation for the warm and gracious reception you and Mrs. Marcos accorded Vice President and Mrs. Mondale during their recent visit to Manila, and for the friendship and candor with which you talked to him.
As a result of his visit, Mr. Mondale left Manila with a clear picture not only of your views on our relationship, but also of Philippine perceptions of the evolution of the Asian situation. The major speech on United States policy in Asia that Mr. Mondale delivered at the East- [Page 1052] West Center in Honolulu on May 103 reflects the insights he received during his stay in Manila.
From your letter and my discussions with Mr. Mondale, I believe that we have gone far toward an understanding between our two countries. Mutually satisfactory amendment of the Military Bases Agreement is, of course, an important element of our relationship. The principles enumerated in the joint U.S.-Philippine statement, which you and Mr. Mondale issued, can provide the impetus needed to resume talks, initially at the military level, and proceed as quickly as possible to reach full agreement.
As you know, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has approved the full $18,100,000 FY 1979 Military Assistance Program (MAP) for the Philippines which we had requested. My Administration will continue to support the full amount of this request in the House-Senate conference which will follow.
I am told that the talks between Secretary of Energy Velasco and Secretary Schlesinger and others went well.4 As part of our long-term effort to help your country expand its energy resources, we will send an expert team to the Philippines this summer to work with your government in identifying additional cooperative efforts in the energy field. We also intend to send an AID mission shortly to consider new programs for Olongapo and Angeles City, as the Vice President discussed with you.
Finally, let me say that I appreciate the frankness with which you discussed the broad issue of human rights with Mr. Mondale, and your willingness to communicate with members of our Congress on this matter. Such candid dialogue is particularly important on this issue. We are committed to seeking an advance in the cause of justice and human rights. The people of our countries fought side by side to defend that cause. I believe that we now have a better understanding of one another’s positions and of the circumstances upon which policy judgments are based. I hope that, under your leadership, events will give us the opportunity to turn the corner of this difficult issue.
Sincerely,
- Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Brzezinski Office File, Country Chron File, Box 39, Philippines: 1978. No classification marking.↩
- See Document 321.↩
- For the text of the speech, see Department of State Bulletin, July 1978, pp. 22–25.↩
- Schlesinger and Velasco met on May 12. Telegram 132443 to Manila, May 24, reported on the meeting. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780220–0905)↩