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

Manila Post Files: 430.1 Napalm Bomb: Telegram

The Chief of the Joint United States Military Advisory Group in the Philippines (Pierson) to the Department of the Army

secret

[Manila,] October 24, 1951—2:45 p. m.

6571. For G–3. Ref: mymsg 6229–A, 21 June 51;¹ urmsg 96019, 11 July [51];¹ mymsg 6272–A, 14 July [51];² urmsg 82513, 9 Sept [51];³ Subject: Napalm.

1. The issue of napalm to armed forces Phil was discussed with Ambassador Cowen. Amb Cowen has no objection to issue of rqst napalm materials being furn AFP, provided stor of critical parts is under my control and actual use in each specific case is approved by me.

2. ComGen PhilCom and thirteenth AF will provide adequate stor fac.

3. Qual pers are aval within this group to make tgt determination for opn purposes. Intend that no strike be permitted by Phil AF without prior approval by me. Intend that, in the event issue of napalm is finally auth, no issue will be made to AFP until after Nov elections.

4. Urmsg 82513 Amb Cowen will furn statement as to the issue of napalm in relation to soonest interests in Far East.⁴

Pierson

1. Not found in Department of State files.
1. Not found in Department of State files.
2. Ante, p. 1551.
3. Not printed.
4. In telegram 1509, from Manila, October 25, Ambassador Cowen stated: “I concur in JUSMAG–Phil tel 6571, Oct 24, 1951 to Deptar re use of napalm by Armed Forces Phil.” (796.5614/10–2551)