796.5–MAP/9–1851: Telegram
The Chargé in the Philippines (Harrington) to the Secretary of State
no distribution
1075. Melby eyes only. Re urtel 897 Sept. 17, 6 p. m. Pierson has determined 6,000 additional troops desirable” and is disposed recommend use of $5 million to cover maintenance cost for one year provided [Page 1566] assurance forthcoming that both Magsaysay and Quirino will press Congress to appropriate equivalent sum to compensate for needed construction program for which these funds wld otherwise have been used. I have discussed matter with Neri and have insisted on formal exchange of notes along foregoing line. Neri referred matter to Quirino and is awaiting approval. Neither Pierson nor I will recommend use of fund in this manner unless and until Phil Govt prepared to give formal assurance Congress will be urged appropriate compensatory funds. While Phil capacity meet additional expenditure is open to question we believe resources adequate if Congress does not authorize large expenditures for other and possibly less worthy purposes.
Regarding your point (c), I believe Huk situation continues serious and not near solution. Dissolution of Huk force into large number of small groups inevitably complicates problem confronting AFP and terroristic tactics with decapitations are to be expected. A large scale push was launched this morning by AFP. When results are known, we will submit new estimate of Huk situation. Meanwhile, I believe we wld be open to criticism if we failed to give Magsaysay the support he feels necessary at this time.
Pierson and I have telegrams ready to send on this subj if Neri gives Emb assurance requested.1
- In telegram 923 to Manila, September 19, drafted by Jonathan B. Bingham, Assistant Director for Non-European Affairs in the Office of International Security Affairs, the Department, with reference to the telegram above, reiterated its position that use of budgetary assistance funds for additional troops was not within the scope of President Truman’s authorization. “No action shld be taken until Amb Cowen returns and matter has been thoroughly explored interdepartmentally. Uniform MDAP policy is to limit use of funds to assistance designed to enable recipient country to maintain force levels approved by JCS as essential for security objectives. Defense concurs.” (796.5–MAP/9–1851) Documents in file 796.5–MAP for 1951 indicate that Secretary Magsaysay’s proposal had become public knowledge in Manila by September 25.↩