422. Telegram From the Embassy in the Philippines to the Department of State1

789. ReDeptel 621 sent Tokyo 332.2

1.

A) Re para 1 reftel, it is our feeling that in any base discussions with Phils we will be facing serious handicap if we unable reveal existence of [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] Japanese minute. As Dept aware, Phils very sensitive to treatment we give Japanese and during Bendetsen negotiations and following Phils made constant reference to fact we would not give them same jurisdiction arrangement we have with “ex-enemy Japan”.

B) [2 lines of source text not declassified]

C) Our idea on dealing with this problem is that at appropriate time during confidential discussions with Serrano we inform him of its existence demonstrating its implementation with available public statistics on waivers by the Japanese. We do not believe that the text of the Japanese minute should be shown to Serrano or that we should make any specific explanation of how it works. We do not believe that informing Phils of Japanese [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] minute would in any way change their attitude on waiver problem but would at least remove point which has had continuing deleterious effect on discussions jurisdiction.

D) [4½ lines of source text not declassified]

2.

A) Re para 2 reftel, we fully expect these two questions to be brought up by the Phils during the forthcoming exploratory talks on bases. The question of use of bases in Phils for combat operations not involving Phils arose during Bendetsen talks. [3½ lines of source text not declassified]

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B) Any modification in present arrangements with Japanese would be used by Phils to justify and support changes they desire in US-Phil relations. In view press coverage being given locally to desires of Japanese to effect changes in administrative agreement, we can expect Phils to be alert to any changes or suggested changes by Japanese and to seek equal if not better treatment from the US.

Bohlen
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 711.56396/9–258. Secret; No Distribution Outside Department. Repeated to Tokyo.
  2. Supra.