Office of the Historian

336. Memorandum From W.R. Smyser of the National Security Council Staff to Secretary of State Kissinger, Washington, April 21, 1975.1 2

Washington, April 21, 1975

MEMORANDUM
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
IMMEDIATE ACTION

April 21, 1975

MEMORANDUM FOR: SECRETARY KISSINGER
FROM: W.R. SMYSER [WRS initialed]
SUBJECT: Presidential Assurances to Philippine President Marcos

Secretary Simon asked you (Tab B) if there is any message that he could pass from the President or you to President Marcos when he sees Marcos on April 23.

Before we had a chance to make our views known, State sent out yesterday, in your name, a message (Tab C) turning down Simon’s offer.

I believe the State response misses a strategic opportunity to reassure Marcos in light of the strong fears he has expressed in the past week that Indochina means the Philippines can no longer depend on the U.S. security commitment, and that the Philippines therefore must reassess the U.S. base presence. I recognize that Marcos may be exaggerating — as he often does — and that we must not leave ourselves vulnerable in any renegotiation of our base presence that may result. An important and immediate means to try to lessen Marcos’ anxieties and consequent pressures on us, however, would be to recognize his legitimate fears, and to reassure him as to the constancy of our intentions towards the Philippines.

Further, for Simon, a leading figure in this Administration, to meet with Marcos but to say nothing as regards Marcos publicly expressed concern over U.S. intentions would only intensify Marcos’ anxiety and strengthen his long-term suspicions that the U.S. takes the Philippines for granted.

At Tab A is a draft back channel cable for you to Secretary Simon saying that you have reconsidered your earlier reaction and you believe [Page 2] it would be useful for him to pass reassurances during his April 23 meeting with President Marcos.

RECOMMENDATION

That you approve the draft cable to Secretary Simon at Tab A.

APPROVE
DISAPPROVE

  1. Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for East Asia and the Pacific, Box 15, Philippines (2). Secret. Sent for immediate action. Although neither recommendation was initialed, a handwritten notation on the first page reads, “Taken care of per Gen S.” Attached but not published are Tab A, the draft backchannel telegram from the White House to Simon; Tab B, telegram 2681, April 18, from the Department of Treasury to the Department of State; and Tab C, telegram 090638, April 20, to Manila.↩
  2. Smyser recommended that the United States reassure Marcos.↩