896.20/9–2248: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Philippines
1221. Unless you perceive objection please deliver Pres Quirino soon as practicable aide-mémoire (Inst 388 Jun 11, 1947, Embtel 1021 Jul 4, 1947 and WAR 88563 Aug 31, 1948 to CINCFE1) reading substantially as follows:
“In view of the long-standing US policy not to employ bodies of troops comprising nationals of other countries and of the status of the Republic of the Philippines as a sovereign and independent state, a careful study has been made by my Government in recent months as to the future status of the Philippine Scouts. It has been decided that as a general rule members of the organization who are not US citizens will not be re-enlisted upon the expiration of their terms of enlistment. [Page 635] While the US Govt feels that it has no obligation to retain the majority of Scouts, it does feel that it has an obligation with respect to those whose membership in that body extends back to the pre-war period. My Government will offer to Scouts in the latter category as well as to the Scouts who are American citizens an opportunity to enlist in the Regular Army of the US if they so desire.
The Phil Scouts will be discharged at a rate which will increase from approximately 600 per month in Nov 1948 to 5000 monthly in the period Mar through Jun 1949. Disbandment is expected to be completed not later than Sept 30, 1949.
This Govt takes great pride in the long and distinguished record of the Phil Scouts as a part of the Armed Forces of the US and has reached with great regret the decision to disband them.”
Without compromising discharge schedule you should invite Pres Quirino make any suggestions he may wish as to timing manner release public announcement this decision. Careful handling publicity appears highly desirable and it is hoped Emb in cooperation with PhilCom and possibly PhilGovt will give this close attention.
- None printed.↩