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

391. Telegram From the Embassy in the Philippines to the Department of State⁰

Manila, September 21, 1963, 5 p.m.

451. Embtel 429.¹ Two-hour meeting reported reftel called by Pres Macapagal for discussion AFP and MAP with JUSMAG and me in accordance desire he expressed six months ago for informal review this subject. This message reports significant aspects of discussion military subjects.

President opened discussion saying his efforts in office thus far devoted primarily to economic and moral reform, and he now wanted address attention to armed forces. Said he wanted know particularly what, from standpoint national security, Phils expected do and what their capabilities are. Macapagal said with sincerity that he wanted Phils help US in its global responsibilities in event of a crisis.

Following is summary of JUSMAG comments:

1. Phil constabulary fully capable meeting its internal security and peace and order missions except for anti-smuggling which in JUSMAG view impossible task which can only be dealt with by legislation.

2. Phil Army mission is to meet external aggression and assist PC maintain internal security. PA totally incapable fulfilling its role. Manning has been a serious problem and this was major factor behind reorganization proposals.² (JUSMAG clarified that proposal accepted by him ad referendum, that is not committed yet, and that press accounts erroneous this respect.) President expressed concern after Tacon³ referred to availability of US equipment which not delivered because of undermanning Phil units. President told Peralta Phils must do their part and get units manned. Interestingly, he appeared have no prior knowledge of reorganization proposal.

3. Phil Navy capable fulfilling its mission of keeping coastal sea lanes free of submarines and mines but only for limited period. Problem is reduced shipboard manning.

4. Phil Air Force expected participate with USAF in Phil air defense and capable doing so but only for limited period in daylight and in fair weather conditions. PAF shortcomings are in maintenance fire control systems of all weather aircraft and in logistics system which incapable supporting continuous operations. Some progress being made but at slow rate.

5. Budget. JUSMAG described this and personnel as two areas in which President could assist Peralta. Defense share of national budget down from 21 percent in 1960 to 14 percent for 1964. Peralta only able feed, clothe and house forces with nothing left for force maintenance and improvement. President said that gaining control of Senate in November elections would permit him increase defense budget which he wants to do so GOP can do its part in maintaining AFP. He then asked that Peralta and Tacon prepare a “top secret document” whose contents would be known on Phils side only by President and Peralta, outlining forces and equipment essential for AFP to discharge its missions. Tacon should show what part of requirements MAP can meet. Macapagal said he wants furnish balance through Phil budget. (Despite difficulties of dealing with documents on such restricted basis, JUSMAG did not want to jeopardize highly advantageous prospects by challenging arrangements at that time. He plans press on with this vigorously with Peralta to meet President’s request. He will, of course, make no commitments.)

6. Personnel. President told that EM fine but officer corps, particularly senior officers, letting him down. Lack of initiative and managerial skills due to present system. Need is for change permitting forced retirements and retention good officers beyond 26–30 years service. Draft legislation prepared with US assistance described to President. JUSMAG pointed to need for President’s help both in getting legislation through Congress and afterward when political pressures would be expected on behalf officers selected out.

7. President accepted criticisms of AFP well and without challenge. Moreover, he said several times he does not want to be accused of failure AFP meet its military responsibilities in event of crisis. Obviously, no assurance can be given that Presidential performance on budget and legislation will meet the promise, but his awareness now of low state of AFP readiness, his concern, and his professed intention assure that Phils do their part represent significant progress. This progress due in large measure to persistent and commendable efforts of General Tacon.

JUSMAG has fully reported conversation to CINCPAC.

Stevenson

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 6 PHIL. Secret. Repeated to CINCPAC.
1. Dated September 18. (Ibid., POL 15–1 PHIL)
2. See Document 394.
3. Major General Avelin P. Tacon, Chief, JUSMAG, the Philippines.