Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, East Asia and the Pacific, Volume XII, Part 2

796.5 MSP/6–3054

No. 368
Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Robertson) to the Deputy Under Secretary of State (Murphy)

secret

Washington, June 30, 1954.

Subject:

• Military talks held by Philippine Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Jesus Vargas with Department of Defense representatives on June 16 and 17, 1954.

Discussion:

The Philippine Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Jesus Vargas discussed mutual defense matters with representatives of the Department of Defense on June 16 and 17, 1954. In essence, General Vargas proposed that the Philippine Army be increased to four infantry divisions, nine regiments of security forces and one anti-aircraft brigade (present strength is twenty-six combat teams); that the Philippine Navy be strengthened by the addition of one antisubmarine warfare squadron, one mine warfare squadron, one submarine squadron, and one marine battalion; that the Philippine Air Force be modernized to eventually reach the strength of five intercepter wings (jet powered), two groups aircraft warning and control systems, one training wing, and one composite wing with corresponding service units. This is a long-range program. General Vargas’ immediate aims were to obtain the following assistance:

1. Modernization of present intercepter wing plus necessary aircraft warning groups.

2. Augmentation of Philippine Navy by six destroyers and necessary logistic support.

3. Provision of logistic foundation (training areas, maintenance bases, recruitment facilities) for a four division army.

General Vargas stated that his long-range proposals represented tentative levels contingent on U.S. military assistance and on the strength of U.S. forces permanently stationed in the Philippines. Representatives of the Department of Defense told General Vargas that the Philippine requirements would be given due consideration. The Defense Representatives also noted that while the proposal to add destroyers to the Philippine Navy will be given full consideration, it has been necessary to decline numerous requests for destroyer type vessels from other nations due to a shortage for mobilization day requirements.

The Department of Defense Representatives who held these discussions with General Vargas, believe that Vargas may ask for another meeting of the military representatives in about a month. An officer of this bureau has told Admiral Smedberg¹ that the Department believes it highly desirable for political reasons, to be able to give General Vargas a definite affirmative answer with respect to those of his proposals which it is feasible to carry out.

There are attached copies of a memorandum from the Department of Defense representative in the discussion with General Vargas to the Secretary of Defense (Tab A); and a memorandum from the same representative to the Officer in Charge Philippine Affairs, Department of State which sets forth in more detail General Vargas’ specific proposals (Tab B).²

Recommendations:

None.

1. Rear Adm. William R. Smedberg, III, Director of the Politico-Military Policy Division, Office of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Policy and Plans.
2. Neither printed.