890.20/3–2449: Telegram
The Chargé in the Philippines (Lockett) to the Secretary of State
783. ReEmbtel 758, March 22. In a further discussion with President Quirino concerning his idea of a Pacific Pact the President stated that all Far Eastern nations harbor a great fear of Japan. He said it all means Japan should be a member of the Pacific Pact so that its resurgence could be carefully observed and directed and so that its responsibility to other Far Eastern nations would develop in the right channels. The President said that Japan’s membership in a Pacific Pact would tend to reduce the suspicions, fear and hatred which exist toward that nation on the part of other Far Eastern peoples. Knowing that President Quirino holds no love for the Japanese, his idea that Japan should form a part of any Pacific Pact is very significant. In such a pact he perceives the hope of security and economic peace and [Page 1127] development in the Far East. President Quirino is taking an intense interest in Far Eastern affairs and his leadership would prove of great importance should the US participate in such a movement. His friendship for the US is genuine and his desire is that the moral, economic and democratic principles of the US should be predominant in the Far East by means of a Pacific Pact. While the North Atlantic Pact combined with other forces is striving to maintain and assure peace in the future for Europe, I believe it would be wise not to let the Far East crumble around us if there is any way to avoid it. Some type of Pacific agreement might prove the best means of more quickly bringing Japan to her responsibility among nations and relieving the US of its burden in that country.