Editorial Note
In telegram Sanco 4, to San Francisco, August 31, drafted by Mr. Melby, the Department stated in part:
“Romulo … told me he wld opportunely submit note to Dept requesting permission add several Phil reservations to treaty. He expressed hope he cld receive prompt refusal requested permission in order that in campaigning for Phil reaction [ratification?] he cld state he had used every means available to secure compliance fullest Phil desires.” (694.001/8–3151)
On September 3, Secretary Acheson received in San Francisco from Foreign Secretary Romulo a note in which the Philippine Government stated its intention to sign the Japanese Peace Treaty subject to the following reservation:
[Page 1314]“The right of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines to negotiate and mutually agree with the Government of Japan on the kinds and forms of reparations due the former from the latter and the manner of their payment or delivery is hereby reserved, any provision of the present treaty to the contrary notwithstanding.”
The Philippine note closed with a request for the views of the United States. In his reply of September 5 the Secretary reviewed negotiations between the United States and the Philippines regarding Article 14 of the draft treaty, reiterated the opposition of the United States to all reservations, and concluded: “Therefore, the Government of the United States trusts that the Government of the Philippines will find it possible to sign the Treaty without reservations.” (Text of both notes is contained in instruction 84 to Manila, October 31; 694.001/9–351)
For text of Secretary Romulo’s address to the Peace Conference delivered September 7, which includes reference to the Philippine reservation, see Department of State, Conference for the Conclusion and Signature of the Treaty of Peace with Japan: Record of Proceedings (Washington, Government Printing Office, 1951), page 233.