244. Letter From President Nixon to Philippine President Marcos1
Dear Mr. President:
It was a great pleasure for me to see Mrs. Marcos once again during her recent visit to Washington and to receive from her your letter of October 8, 1971. Her account of the Persepolis celebrations was most interesting, and I also appreciated the chance to talk with her about the situation in the Philippines. I hope she enjoyed her short visit to the United States as much as we enjoyed having her here.
Your kind words of support for my coming trip to Peking are greatly appreciated. As you are aware, our efforts to establish a new relationship with the People’s Republic of China are based on my conviction that all nations will benefit if relations between the United States [Page 519] and the People’s Republic are improved. It is good to know that you feel tensions in Asia have already lessened as a result of our initiatives.
I was deeply gratified for your Government’s decision to support our efforts to secure continued representation for the Republic of China in the United Nations—at the same time that we supported representation for the People’s Republic of China in that body. I am sure that you share our disappointment that the General Assembly rejected the resolutions we both cosponsored. Throughout this difficult test I was heartened by the unstinting cooperation of the Philippines and others among our allies and friends. Please convey my compliments to Foreign Secretary Romulo, Ambassador Jimenez, Ambassador Yango, and other members of your Foreign Department for their excellent performance.
Now that the majority has spoken we will, of course, accept its decision. You can be sure that the United States will perservere in the effort to make the United Nations a more effective institution, and that we look forward to continuing our close cooperation with the Philippines in working toward that goal.
I was pleased that you were able to receive Secretary Connally during his recent visit2 to your capital. I am looking forward to hearing his report concerning his discussions with you. Upon receiving his comments, I shall be writing you further to respond to the several questions you raised in your letter concerning our economic relations.
Again, Mrs. Nixon and I were very happy for the opportunity to receive Mrs. Marcos in Washington. To her and to you we extend our most sincere best wishes and warmest personal regards.
Sincerely,
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 7 PHIL. No classification marking. Drafted by Frank C. Bennett and Lowman on November 4 (ibid.); substantially revised in the White House. Transmitted in telegram 210645 to Manila, November 19, the original signed letter subsequently sent by pouch. (Ibid.)↩
- Connally’s trip to the Philippines and meeting with Marcos is reported in telegram 10479 from Manila, November 12. (Ibid., POL 7 US/Connally)↩