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

796.5 MSP/6–2254: Telegram

No. 367
The Chargé in the Philippines (Lacy) to the Department of State

confidential

Manila, June 22, 1954—11 a.m.

2912. As was to be expected, President Magsaysay through Neri¹ is already approaching me re immediate setting up MD treaty consultative council—groping for guidance as to proper form and supporting documentary references for Philippine move to initiate process.

By way both of encouraging Malacanang to more self-dependence and of keeping project on simple, overall basis for present stage, I feel inclined respond to President’s approach by avoiding detailed guidance and merely giving my general thoughts on following pattern:

Initial Philippines move could appropriately take form of brief note, delivered here or in Washington which would: cite recent Magsaysay-Wilson and Dulles-Romulo agreements (as phrased in respective press releases) calling for council to further implementation MDT with special regard for recent developments in Far East; state that Philippine Government has appointed so and so to represent secretary of foreign affairs on council and attend initial meeting; request that US Government name its representative; and propose place and date for initial meeting if agreeable to US Government. With view to reaching prior understanding on scope initial meeting and type personnel appropriate therefore, Philippine Government might also wish briefly to state its concept of the overall problems that initial meeting should primarily analyze as basis for broad directives for staff work to follow. As to its panel personnel, Philippine Government might wish to name them tentatively or merely to suggest number and type it would consider required for proposed scope of meeting.

Knowing propensity for confusion inherent in Philippine foreign affairs channels, believe it particularly essential however, to clear with Department before responding to President’s request for advice. Feel it most desirable to give him impression we are making things as easy as possible for him, and, while appreciating that Department may have reasons for avoiding haste. I know it unnecessary to describe what unfortunate reactions could be produced here by any sign that hostile elements could seize on as evidence that US Government was dragging its feet in meeting Philippine desires.²

Lacy

1. Felino Neri, President Magsaysay’s personal adviser on foreign policy.

2. The Department replied on June 23:

   “Your 2912. Arrangements re Philippine-United States Council do not contemplate establishment any permanent body with formal structure and staff to meet continuously. There is no such continuous formal staff pattern under ANZUS. Council and or military representatives will meet only when requested by either party. Secretary hopes most meetings council can be held in Washington. CINCPAC probable United States military representative and military meetings could be held Pearl Harbor or Manila. If Garcia visits United States on return Philippines, his discussion with Secretary could be considered first meeting Council. Department informing Romulo substance above and you may inform Neri or Magsaysay. Romulo will be told Secretary will be glad to see Garcia this basis if Garcia comes here. Text exchange of notes follows in unclassified telegram.” (Telegram 3374 to Manila; 796.5 MSP/6–2254)

   The text of the note was forwarded in telegram 3378 to Manila, June 23. A brief press release on the exchange of notes formalizing the establishment of the Council and the notes themselves are printed in Department of State Bulletin, July 5, 1954, p. 14.