893.01/12–1949: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Philippines (Cowen) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 20—4:03 a. m.]
2859. ReDepcirtel December 16, 3 p. m. [a. m.]. I saw Quirino [in] Baguio this afternoon, [and he] expressed desire fullest possible cooperation with US and hope that recognition from US would not be too immediate. Also indicated deepest concern over possibility loss Formosa to Chinese Communist regime and pressed me hard for definite information as to what, if any, aid we are now giving Formosa or propose to give Formosa, or what, if anything, we propose doing toward defense Formosa and more specifically, if any of our forces in Japan, Okinawa, or here either air or navy would be used. Also specifically pressed for information as to whether our Okinawa forces or forces based in Philippines would be used for defense Philippines in event attack on Philippines originating from Formosa or Chinese mainland. He further stated he felt that in view of vulnerable position of Philippines, he felt that it would be an imprudent thing for the Philippines to risk antagonizing Chinese Communist regime by long deferring recognition after recognition by substantial number other powers.