Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, The Far East and Australasia, Volume VI

896.24/10–2548: Telegram

The Chargé in the Philippines (Lockett) to the Secretary of State

secret

Manila, October 25, 1948—8 p. m.

2099. In accordance with the Department’s requesting instruction 209, September 30,¹ I am now in receipt of a letter from General Jones² dated October 21 recommending that the request made by Ambassador Elizalde in his note to the Department July 27³ receive favorable action from the US Government. In support of his recommendations General Jones in addition to the reasons given in Elizalde’s note adds the following justifications for favorable action:

• “(a) The military assistance agreement between the Government of US and the Government of Republic of Philippines implies that such support will be furnished.
• “(b) Items requested are essential to the operation of the Philippine armed forces during the coming year.
• “(c) The uncertain national economy does not permit the Philippine Government make appropriations sufficient to cover the expenditure of funds for the items requested and still maintain the armed forces at acceptable standards.
• “(d) Failure to provide these essential supplies in the past has retarded the development of the Philippine armed forces by reducing the morale and efficiency below acceptable standards.
• “(e) The assistance requested represents the minimum amount necessary to supplement that available for Philippine Government resources in order that the armed forces of the Philippines may operate at minimum acceptable standards and keep in effective being.”

I am in full accord with General Jones’ recommendation and particularly so in view of scout discharge program and what seems to be a general tendency to reduce our armed forces in the Philippines. Undoubtedly presence of our forces in the Philippines is a deterrent to domestic disorders, in spite of present Huk situation, and I believe that as our forces are reduced it would be to the general interest if a well equipped though reduced number of Philippine troops were ready and prepared for the preservation of peace. Copy of General Jones’ letter being sent by airmail although it contains no additional information given in this telegram.⁴

Lockett

1. Not printed.
2. Maj. Gen. A. M. Jones, Chief, Joint U.S.-Philippine Military Advisory Group.
3. Not printed. The Department replied on August 5 that the requested assistance would require appropriation of the requisite funds, not then available. (896.24/7–2748)
4. On November 6, certain equipment and supplies were transferred by the Philippine Command of the U.S. Army (despatch 1148, November 10, from Manila, not printed). On January 10, 1949, the Department replied further to the Philippine Embassy and explained that longer range questions of military assistance were still under consideration and the inability to act favorably on Philippine requests was not deemed prejudicial to any future policy determinations. (896.24/10–648)