Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, Asia and the Pacific, Volume VI, Part 2

796.00/10–1751: Telegram

The Ambassador in the Philippines (Cowen) to the Secretary of State

secret
priority

Manila, October 17, 1951—6 p. m.

1434. Eyes only for McWilliams. Deptel 1172 Oct 15, 2 p. m.¹ In absence of Quirino from Manila on protracted campaign tour since my return,² I have been unable to inform him of my impending reassignment. I shall do so at the earliest opportune time. I did inform Romulo yesterday with injunction information was for him alone. Romulo fears Quirino may attempt influence selection successor such as Weldon Jones,³ who in Quirino’s judgment would be more amenable to his and other Phil pressures. However, Department is well aware of importance of selecting successor qualified to hold gains already made.

Since sending mytel 729, Aug 21,⁴ appraising political trend here toward liquidation organized opposition, Quirino has gained considerably in strength, machine-wise if not in terms popularity, and possibility single party hegemony becomes pre-eminent. Encouragement of healthy minority therefore becomes more urgent.

Our policy here must be manifested openly, firmly and above all be nonpartisan in character. The Chief of Mission must enjoy high prestige and be strongly supported in Washington to withstand Philippine pressure. A well-known person will have a distinct advantage here in this respect and if Treasury man declines, I urge selection of a person of outstanding prominence such as Spruance⁵ or Radford or preeminent businessman. My formal reluctance to recommend military man for post here is outweighed by special situation where insecurity has become major factor in our foreign policy and likewise is important element in Philippine national economy as evidenced by Philippine willingness waive cash reparations in exchange for firm security guarantees.

Although I entirely concur in Humelsine’s⁶ desire select successor before my reassignment becomes known and pressures develop I hope early announcement of impending change can be made. There is already speculation emanating from Washington in local press and such speculation and attendant uncertainty are harmful to our high prestige and good relationships. As the Department is aware, I hope to point up our policy toward Philippine people in a tour of the islands prior to my departure. After the announcement of my reassignment is made,⁷ I can make such a tour as a farewell gesture free from any possible connection with Philippine elections. I would prefer to make this trip as far in advance of my departure [as] possible.

Cowen

1. Not printed.
2. Ambassador Cowen had arrived back in Manila on October 15.
3. J. Weldon Jones, Assistant Director for Fiscal Analysis, Bureau of the Budget.
4. See footnote 1, p. 1560.
5. Adm. Raymond A. Spruance, USN (Ret.), was appointed Ambassador to the Philippines on January 18, 1952.
6. Carlisle H. Humelsine, Deputy Under Secretary of State for Administration.
7. After receiving approval from the Department; the Embassy announced on October 23 Ambassador Cowen’s reassignment as Consultant to the Secretary of State.