811.24596/10–3148: Telegram
The Chargé in the Philippines (Lockett) to the Secretary of State
priority
2139. Upon receipt Deptel 1311, October 29, 1948, I consulted with General Anderson concerning further publicity for the Scout disbandment program. After much discussion, the following statement, based upon Department’s instruction, was agreed upon and is being released to press for publication Monday1 morning papers: “Confirming the announcement that the Philippine Scouts are to be gradually disbanded, United States Chargé d’Affaires Thomas H. Lockett, in a statement released to the press yesterday, declared that his government [Page 640] had come to this decision only with great regret. The United States, said Mr. Lockett, is proud of the long and distinguished record of the Philippine Scouts as a part of the Armed Forces of the United States. In view of the fact, however, that the Philippines is now a sovereign and independent state, the United States has for some time felt that the Scouts should be disbanded. It has been a long-standing policy of the United States not to employ bodies of troops comprising nationals of other countries. For some time, therefore, plans have been under way to bring about a termination of the Scout program. As presently contemplated, the Scouts will be gradually disbanded and it is expected that the disbandment program will be completed not later than September 30, 1949.
Concerning the details of the disbandment program, Mr. Lockett stated that he had been informed by General Jonathan W. Anderson, Commanding General of Philippine Command, that Philippine Scout officers who are United States citizens may apply for commissions in the organized reserve corps and may be continued on extended active duty as officers upon the acceptance of their applications for such duty. Officers who are non-citizens of the United States, but who had enlisted service prior to October 1945, will be considered for enlistment in the first or second grades, providing they meet the necessary qualifications as prescribed in Army regulations.
General Anderson also informed Mr. Lockett that so far as enlisted personnel in the Scouts are concerned, almost three thousand of them who are United States citizens or who have enlisted service in the Scouts prior to October 1945 will be offered the opportunity to enlist in the Regular Army of the United States, subject to the same physical and mental qualifications as prescribed in Army regulations for other regular troops. The grades for enlistment of this personnel have not been determined. They will, however, be eligible for enlistment in all grades from first through sixth grade, depending upon qualifications and years of service.
Appropriate directives concerning the disbandment program are expected to be issued by General Anderson to his command during the next few days.”
- November 1.↩