Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XXIII, Southeast Asia

381. Memorandum of Conversation⁰

Washington, April 23, 1963, 11–11:30 a.m.

SUBJECT

• Philippine Claim to North Borneo; Malaysia

PARTICIPANTS

• [Here follows the same list as Document 380.]

After having read an 11-page letter from Philippine President Macapagal that Vice President Pelaez handed him, the President pointed out that the United States had made no claim on North Borneo while we were in the Philippines.¹Pelaez acknowledged this and said that this matter had been pushed only since Macapagal was President, although the Philippines had exhibited an interest in the area since 1946.

President Kennedy said that he understood the principal reason behind the proposal for Malaysia was the need for a racial balance because of the large number of Chinese in Singapore. He pointed out that we have no historical interest in this area, and that of course our first consideration was security. He said it appeared that there was a difference of opinion as to how security requirements could best be met. We believe the Malaysia proposal offered the best hope of achieving this objective. The President asked if Indonesia had a claim on any of the area. Pelaez replied they did not. In answer to another question, Pelaez said Indonesian-Philippine relations were very good. Pelaez informed the President that the Philippines believed a solution might be for a United Nations trusteeship over all three Borneo territories with an act of self-determination sometime in the future.

The Vice President recounted Philippine efforts to bring Indonesia, Malaya and the Philippines together and seemed confident that the ministerial-level meeting scheduled for mid-May would lead to a “summit” meeting during which differences could be ironed out. He said the Philippines wanted an opportunity to make every effort through tripartite talks which he felt would be jeopardized if the United States, the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth were all to endorse the Malaysia plan. He indicated that part of the Philippine concern was to try and reach a settlement which would placate the Indonesians.

In answer to a question as to the British view, Pelaez said the British Government had rejected the Philippine arguments and there had been an agreement for an exchange of “documents.” The Philippines at their meeting with the British had, according to Pelaez, suggested referring the matter to the World Court but had received an “equivocal” answer from Lord Home.

The President told Vice President Pelaez that he would answer President Macapagal’s letter directly.²

0. Source: Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Countries Series, Philippines, General, 1/63–6/63. Confidential. Drafted by Bell. The ending time of the meeting, which was held at the White House, is from the President’s Appointment Book. (Ibid.) The source text is labeled “Part II of IV”; for Parts I and III–IV, see Documents 380 and 382–383.
1. The letter, dated April 20, is attached to an April 23 memorandum from Brubeck to Bundy. (Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Countries Series, Philippines, General, 5/63–11/63) For additional documentation on this subject, see Documents 327 ff.
2. A noncommittal reply was sent on June 19. (Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Countries Series, Philippines, General, 1/63–6/63)