Office of the Historian

796.5 MSP/6–3054: Telegram

No. 369
The Chargé in the Philippines (Lacy) to the Department of State

confidential
Manila, June 30, 1954—noon.

2977. Discussed arrangements Philippine-US Council at length June 29 with Magsaysay and Neri giving them substance Department telegrams 3374,1 3435.2 Both declared they understood necessary similarity these arrangements and ANZUS arrangements. President stated categorically he would include no members Congress in “Philippine panel.” President repeated Neri’s earlier query as to whether Honolulu would be satisfactory locus for first meeting. I replied I had not received instructions this point but considered my government would not be unresponsive such proposal.

It apparent from further conversation President does not wish Garcia discuss these matters Washington nor does he wish Garcia be senior Philippine representative at first or subsequent meetings. I asked President whom he had in mind as deputy to Secretary to act as senior Philippine representative. President replied he wished Neri to do this job and hoped US would find that agreeable. I replied American officials held Neri highest esteem.

President has not yet discussed these matters with Vargas who presumably will take similar line (Department telegram 3435).

In my opinion, based on oblique remarks Neri during and after conversation with President, Garcia will be asked to return directly [Page 621] Philippines from Spain. Will confirm this soon as I can make requisite inquiries discreetly.

Lacy
  1. See footnote 2, Document 367.↩

  2. Dated June 28, it reads as follows:

    “Our 3374. Your 2962 [not printed]. You should explain to Neri soonest nature United States-Philippine Council as set forth our 3374 with request he inform congressional leaders, emphasizing similarity ANZUS arrangement. There will be no ‘Members Defense Council’ except for Secretary or his Deputy and Philippine Secretary or his Deputy. Nature United States-Philippine Council explained by Department Officers to Romulo and Vargas both of whom understand and approve arrangements. We have unconfirmed report Garcia will arrive New York July 4 Washington July 8. Nature Philippine-United States Council will be explained to him.” (796.5 MSP/6–2854)

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