Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, The Geneva Conference, Volume XVI

751G.00/4–1954

Memorandum by the Deputy Director of the Office of Philippine and Southeast Asian Affairs (Day) to the Coordinator of the United States Delegation at the Geneva Conference (Johnson)¹

secret

Washington, April 20, 1954.

Subject:

• Philippine participation in Indo-Chinese phase of the Geneva Conference

1. In his conversation with Mr. Robertson on April 15,² Philippine Chargé, Emilio Abello, stated that if the Philippines were asked to participate in a defensive coalition to deter Communist aggression in Southeast Asia but were not invited to participate in the Indo-Chinese phase of the Geneva Conference, very strong, unfavorable reactions could be expected from Philippine political leaders. Mr. Abello anticipated that such a development would be vigorously exploited by the ultra-Nationalist element in the Philippines which is attempting to seize control of Philippine foreign policy and to drive a wedge between the Magsaysay administration and the United States.

2. The Embassy, in a telegram of April 19, stated its agreement with Abello’s warning and added that no Filipino, including President Magsaysay, would understand our asking the Philippines to participate in a coalition but not in the Conference.³

3. Recent developments in the Philippines with respect to the Bases Agreement, the Trade Agreement, reparations from Japan, and demands for an “Asia for the Asians” foreign policy are all indicative of the vigorous ultra-Nationalism and a climate of opinion in which the Magsaysay administration might find it impossible to obtain the necessary political and public support for participation in any defensive coalition, if at the same time they were denied an opportunity to attend the Indo-Chinese phase of the Geneva Conference.

4. It is most likely that if the Philippine Mission, which has already left Manila to participate in the Korean discussions, is not invited to participate in the Indo-Chinese discussions, the Philippine government will be obliged to reject the proposal to participate in the coalition. It is difficult to believe that any Southeast Asian defensive coalition without the Philippines, who are traditionally regarded as our closest collaborators in the Far East, will offer much in the way of psychological value.

5. It is recommended that the Philippines be asked to participate in the Indo-Chinese phase of the Geneva Conference.

Note: There has just been received in this office the attached note requesting the Philippine government be invited to attend any discussions on the restoration of peace in Indo-China which may be arranged at Geneva.⁴

1. Drafted by Bell of PSA.

   Notation on source text by Drumright: “Cleared with questions indicated in margin [question marks for paragraphs 4 and 5]. It would be desirable from our point of view for Philippines to participate in Indochina discussions, but overriding external considerations may make it impossible. I believe we could explain this to Philippine Govt. EFD”

2. For a summary of this conversation, see telegram 2642 to Manila, Apr. 15, 1954, printed in volume xii. (751G.00/4–1554)
3. In telegram 2303 from Manila, Apr. 19, Ambassador Spruance reported that “I strongly second Abello’s warning. Not only would Recto’s opposition exploit situation, but no Filipino, including President, would understand our asking Philippines to participate in coalition, but not including them in conference.” (751G.00/4–1954)
4. Not attached to source text. Note has not been located in Department of State files.