840.20/3–2249: Telegram
The Chargé in the Philippines (Lockett) to the Secretary of State
758. Embtels 730 and 745 March 21.1 Relative President Quirino’s press interview suggesting a Pacific pact somewhat along the lines of North Atlantic agreement, President Quirino told me he made the suggestion because he felt the moral and economic chaos existing in much of the Far East could not be improved without strong moral and economic leadership. He said he felt the US is the only country that could supply a leadership adequate to remedy existing conditions. He stated that by the formation of a Pacific pact the leadership of the US, which would be beneficial both to the Far Eastern nations and the US itself regardless of whether or not the latter could commit itself with the same firmness as in the Atlantic Pact or supply any appreciable amount of military equipment.
Since the situation in China has produced uneasiness in a number of Far Eastern countries, there has developed a strong desire to obtain assistance and security from some potent source against the inroads of Communism. In the case of the Philippines, I believe a feeling exists that a substantial amount of the military equipment requested by the Philippines will not be forthcoming under the military assistance agreement. With this prevalent feeling President Quirino turns toward the idea of a Pacific pact. Although assured that over-all US military strength in the Far East is not being reduced materially for the present he sees Philippine com [apparent omission] almost completely disappearing and becomes more apprehensive about Philippine security as the forces dwindle. President Quirino is quite sincere in his desire to see a Pacific pact. The formation of the Atlantic Pact has been generally well received in the Philippines and the idea of a Pacific pact has been received so far with enthusiasm.
- Neither printed.↩