796.5614/6–2151
The Ambassador in the Philippines (Cowen) to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (Bradley)
My Dear General Bradley: I would like to confirm our conversation of yesterday concerning the request of the Philippine Government for napalm bombs. As I told you, I am unalterably opposed to granting this request because the Philippine Armed Forces are not qualified to use this kind of equipment and, furthermore, I can see only the most unfortunate repercussions if it were used and innocent Filipino citizens were killed or badly burned. The result could only be to make more Huks than would be eliminated.
[Page 1550]I would not have any objection if a small amount were in the custody of JUSMAG and one or two crews of Filipinos were trained in the utilization of napalm and it would be made available to the Philippine Armed Forces only with the prior consent of JUSMAG and preferably, if circumstances permit, with the prior approval of Washington.1
Sincerely yours,
- General Bradley’s reply of June 25 follows in entirety: “This is in connection with your letter dated June 21 in which you recommended against the use of napalm bombs by the Philippine Armed Forces against the Huks. The Joint Chiefs of Staff feel about this subject the same as you do; however, they consider it is very largely a political problem. I have passed your letter and the views of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on to General Scott, who is charge of the Military Aid Program.” (796.5614/6–2151) Maj. Gen. Stanley L. Scott was Director of the Office of Military Assistance, Department of Defense↩