811.24596/10–2748: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Philippines
1311. Urtel 21221 and previous. Dept and Army previous position was that announcement in regard to discharge of Scouts would be coordinated with PhilGovt but in view unilateral announcement apparently so worded as to attempt put US on defensive and under obligation supply equipment and weapons to absorb Scouts in Phil Army, [Page 639] Dept of opinion that Emb and Army if not already done should now make public statement with regard to US reasons for discharge emphasizing plan long contemplated gradual nature discharge, fact many on duty outside Phils, and plans for absorption certain ones to be retained. If queried say that question disposition equipment which may result from discharge is one for consideration by appropriate agencies US under military assistance agreement.
While, Pres. Quirino desire link this with program increase armed forces understandable it seems highly desirable to avoid all possibility concurrence on part this govt that desirable solution problem from PhilGov point view would be to absorb Scouts Phil Army or that we under obligation transfer equipment to enable such action. To do so would inevitably be construed as US admission of responsibility for discharged Scouts and continuing obligation their support. Moreover, it would appear contrary JUSMAG recommendation and Emb recommendation in Embtel 2099, Oct 25 referring to well-equipped though reduced number troops in which Dept concurs.
Your 21212 Dept approves and suggests you continue line you have taken on questions regarding abandonment bases.
Dept of opinion … you let Quirino know Dept somewhat surprised at manner in which he handled question release Scouts …. Dept received definite assurances from his predecessor that PhilGovt did desire negotiation base agreement and feels that if PhilGovt now has different view concerning question a matter of such importance should not be handled through medium of unilateral press statements.
Army Dept. concurs this telegram. Please keep Dept fully informed repercussions arising statement regarding bases.