793.96/7–1249: Telegram
The Chargé in the Philippines (Lockett) to the Secretary of State
1722. President’s office states Generalissimo left Baguio 9:30 a. m. July 12 for Basa air base Florida Blanca, where he transferred to own plane and at 11:10 a. m. took off for unstated destination. AP representative Manila states Wang Shih-chieh1 and Undersecretary Foreign Affairs Neri early this a. m. completed work on set principles expected serve as basis so-called Pacific Union Pact. President Quirino and Neri both quoted as stating privately that US support would be required if Pacific Union against Communists is to achieve substantial concrete results.
So-call[ed] press accounts convey impressions that:
- (1)
- Agreements reached are preliminary in nature (particularly as Chiang is not acting head [of] Chinese Government).
- (2)
- Principal agreements concern Pacific Union.
- (3)
- Philippine Secretary National Defense and Philippine armed forces representative were briefed on Chinese military situation, but made no military commitments.
- (4)
- Economic cooperation discussed, but little basis found for mutual economic aid of substantial nature.
- (5)
- Syngman Rhee being informed of nature talks, and may be invited visit Philippines.
- (6)
- No indications exist that Chiang seeks sanctuary for Government or its monetary reserves.
- (7)
- Quirino and Chiang propose organize Pacific Union for mutual aid along lines followed by Western European states basis extension Marshall Plan aid and hope US may then be persuaded similarly give material aid to the participating Asian states.
Embassy has proceeded on assumption that visit Baguio myself, member staff, or other American official might have been misunderstood and could have undesirable results. However, Malacanan states [Page 1156] President Quirino will return Manila tomorrow after which I will expect obtain report, additional information.
Sent Department 1722, repeated Canton 31, Taipei 7, Seoul 16.
- Former Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs.↩