Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, East Asia and the Pacific, Volume XII, Part 2

411.9631/12–1553: Telegram

No. 347
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Philippines

secret

Washington, December 18, 1953—1:15 p.m.

1611. Your 1337.¹ Your recommendations 1337 being passed all eight agencies interdepartmental Philippine trade agreement committee which already evaluating comments and recommendations despatch 456.²

Dept seeking obtain agreement soonest on adequate basis for response to Phils but unlikely interdepartmental clearance and Congressional consultations can be completed by December 30. Concur Embassy’s opinion its opportunity will diminish after Magsaysay’s advisers submit report and believe for reasons given our 1471³ Emb should suggest Magsaysay may want postpone December 30 deadline in order that he and his advisers may take into account US Govt views before crystallizing or publicizing their position. At same time Magsaysay should be assured US will make every effort expedite its position.

FYI and guidance only. It now appears likely to Department that due backlog high priority legislation it will be inadvisable submit legislation forthcoming session Congress for revision TA even if agreement could be reached with Phils.

Dulles

1. Supra.
2. See footnote 2, supra.
3. See footnote 1, supra.