796.5614/11–251: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Philippines (Cowen) to the Secretary of State
1624. Re Deptel 1345 Oct 30.1 Emb and JUSMAG have discussed same with following results:
(1) Phil armed forces are prepared to purchase napalm from own funds if necessary.
(2) They are fully aware of the cost but believe potential troop-saving factor in end-use this material more important than cost factor. JUSMAG and Emb concur.
(3) Cost not exorbitant; JUSMAG FY 52 and 53 MSP provide for only $26,000 total expenditure for napalm.
(4) Conditional sale as stated in Sec 408 (e), may require only the assurance from Phil that material will be used solely to maintain its internal security, its legitimate self-defense, or to permit it to participate in defense of area it is part or in UN collective security arrangements and measures, and that it will not undertake any act of aggression against any other state. If issued by USMSP grant, foregoing provisions will be required, with additional local provisions that material be stored by US military agency and be issued only after JUSMAG approval of proposed strike. The foregoing local provisions can be imposed without question if napalm furnished by USMSP grant.
(5) JUSMAG and Emb believe that authorizing Phil to buy material under JUSMAG proposed USMSP control provisions would be impractical.
(6) JUSMAG and Emb recommend napalm be furnished under USMSP, and in accordance with the control pattern suggested in JUSMAG’s 6571.2
- In that telegram the Department had requested a joint Embassy–JUSMAG recommendation as to whether the proposed supply of napalm bombs for the AFP should be funded on a grant or a reimbursable basis. “Considering (1) Phils originally requested purchase Napalm bombs (2) paying wld impress them with cost factor and (3) as controls cld be imposed by conditional sale sec 408 (e) basis may be preferable. However grant aid wld avoid possible irritation conditional sale stipulations and control might be more effective. Submit recommendation’ soonest.” (796.5614/105051)↩
- October 24, p. 1572.↩