Philippines

Item

Title: Philippines
Issue Date: Volume III (Issue No. 1) March 15, 1943
Publisher: Washington D. C. : Commonwealth of the Philippines
Year: 1943
Language: English; Tagalog; Ilocano
Subject: Philippines--Social aspects--Periodicals.; Philippines--History--Periodicals.; Philippine literature --Periodicals.
Rights
Place of publication: Manila
extracted text: Here in Maryland, before you, the citizens of the Free State, I want to pay tribute now to Senator Tydings, coauthor of the Philippine Independence Act, and to all his colleagues in the United States Senate and House of Representatives. As for your President, under whose leadership the Tydings-McDuffie Act was passed, and who was coauthor of the Atlantic Charter, his name will be written in history as one of the world's greatest spokesmen of freedom and human dignity. The tides of war and descruction have swept over the Philippines since the passage of the Tydings-McDuffie Act. Today a new situation exists there. The years of peace and progress foreseen in the Philippine Independence Act have been scarred by Japanese aggression. The Pacific war has taught us a lesson-both the United States and the Philippines. President Roosevelt doubtless meant this when he said, while the battle was raging in Bataan: "I give to the people of the Philippines my .so~emn pledge that their freedom will be redeemed an? their independence established and protected. The entire resources in men and material of the United States stand behind that pledge." I hope that we shall have tl~e f~ll supp?rt of both ~ena tor Tydings and Senator Radcliffe m carry1.ng out President Roosevelt's pledge on behalf of the American people. W HAT America did in. the Philippines i~ time ?f peace has repaid her well m her hour of pen! and m terms of the esteem and respect of all mankind. I speak for the people of che Philippines when I express our lasting recognition of America's honorable and high-minded policy. Today, in the midst of war, the whole world looks co you to add even greater lustre to your name and reputation as the champion of human freedom. Commissioner Safeguards Filipinos' Interests Resident Commissioner Joaquin M. Elizalde can look back on more than four years rich with accomplishments in protecting Filipinos in their legal rights as citizens of the Philippines, in establishing unity and cooperation among various Filipino groups in the United States, and in promoting friendlier understanding between Americans and Filipinos. A one-time source of much trouble to Filipinos was their citizenship status in the United States. As noncitizens they were barred from many opportunities enjoyed by citizens. Ac the outbreak of the war, clarification of their status became imperative. In many cases arising from chis particular difficulty the Resident Commissioner succeeded in obtaining just and equitable legislation and rulings for Filipinos who, as citizens of the Philippines, owed allegiance co the United Scates and were entitled co privileges and opportunities accorded citizens of the United Srates. Even with their status as United Srates nationals fully esrablished, Filipinos often encountered difficulties in having themselves identified as citizens of the Philippines. To cope wich this problem, the Resident Commissioner's office, through its Nationals Division, with the approval of the Office of Philippine Affairs in the Department of Srate, issued cenificaces of identity, providing documentary evidence of their citizenship. This certificate helped many Filipinos retain or secure employment, which otherwise would have been dosed co them as a result of a misunderstanding of their true status. Filipinos Eligible to Work in Defense Plants In January, 1939, when the appropriations for the Works Progress Administration were submitted to the Congress, it was provided that no part of the money would be paid to anyone who was not a citizen of the United States. Thus many citizens of the Philippines would have been deprived of the benefits of this relief measure had it not been for the timely intervention of the Residenc Commissioner. He succeeded in including among the beneficiaries of this measure "persons owing allegiance to the United States who are in need." The same provision was included in later relief appropriations. Similar provisions in appropriation acts and national defense contracts for 1942 and 1943 permitted Filipinos to work in war plants. Today thousands of Filipinos work in shipyards, arsenals, airplane planes and Government agencies, like the Office of War Information and Office of Censorship. Passage of another bill providing "that no person shall be eligible to hold any civil position or civil office under the United Scates, and in the continental United Scates, unless such person is a citizen of the United States." It was, fortunately, never reported our of committee. Other legislative measures enacted by Congress on the strength of representations made by Resident Commissioner Elizalde include the Nationality Act of 1940, which, as amended, permits the naturalization of Filipinos who have joined the armed forces of the United States; the law appropriating the sugar excise tax funds to provide for public relief and civilian defense in the Philippines, and an amendment to the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 to give preference to Filipino seamen in posts allowed noncitizens in the American merchant marine. Legal Division Alert At one time a bill was introduced in the Senate of Washington State prohibiting aliens from joining labor organizations. This measure would have adversely affected Filipinos. With the assistance of the War Department and the congressional representatives of the state of Washington, Mr. Elizalde had the bill amended so as not to affect Filipinos. In some passport and immigradon difficulties, the Office of the Resident Commissioner has rendered assistance to Filipinos. R~pres~ntatives of this office have appeared before the lmm1grat1on Appeal Board in behalf of citizens PHILIPPINES of the Philippines. The records in the C . . . Leg~ Division show that, aside from passpo~~:~:1=i~ s:auo~ cases, this office has extended legal sen•ice to Filipm?~ m matters involving claims and compensations. disposmon of estates, reentry into the United States, filing o_f patents, veterans' pensions, imprisonment and deportauon. The Commissioner became deeply interested in the unfortunate cases of Filipinos caught in war-torn Europe. ~n a letter to the Pre_si~enr of the Philippines, dated April -8, l~?l, the ~omm1ss10ner urged the Philippine Government co provide means for the repatriation of its citizens · · · caught in war-stricken areas through no fault of their ?,w~." The Comm~ssioner reported that Filipinos had been Stripped of their personal goods" and were "desti~te:" _The Jette~ was prompted by the case of a Filipino v10hmst and his wife, who were stranded in Belgium and later in Lisbon, and finally admitted into the United States through the help of the Resident Commissioner's office. There was the case of six Filipino seamen detained at Niagara Falls for months. The Resident Commissioner intervened and these men were later released on the responsibility assumed by his office. Now they are serving as crew members of the Bataan, formerly the Limbas, Commissioner Elizalde's yacht, which was bought by the Philippine Government and offered to the United States Coast Guard service. Filipinos in Alaska engaged in fishing, hunting and trapping were regarded as aliens, and consequently, denied privileges accorded citizens of the United States. This condition persisted until their citizenship status was clari-. lied. On April 6, 1940, a statement was secured from the solicitor of the Department of the Interior to the effect chat citizens of the Philippine Commonwealth could not be prohibited from fishing in Alaskan waters. First Filipino Infantry Among the notable accomplishments of the Resident Commissioner's office is in connection with the participation of Filipinos in the armed forces of the United States. The law was changed to allow Filipinos to be commissioned in the United States Army, to waive the IO-year United States citizenship requirement for appointment as aviation cadet with respect to Philippine citizens, and to admit Filipinos as officers in the United States Coast Guard Reserve. The distinctive unit in the United States Army, known as the First Filipino Infantry, was organized after representations had been made by the Resident Commissioner to the proper authorities. Many patriotic Filipinos had informed the Commissioner of their desire to fight for the recovery of the Philippines. On February 19, 1942, Secretary of War, Henry L. Stimson, wrote the Resident Commissioner that the First Filipino Battalion would be formed "in recognition of the intense loyalty and patriotism of those Filipinos who are now residing in the United States." He said also that it would provide "for them a means of serving the armed forces of the United States, and the eventual opportunity of fighting on the soil of their homeland." Philippine News From Tokyo The following news items were picked from Japanese shortwave broadcasts. Their publication in PHILIPPINES does not imply attthenticity. Readers may well remember that Axis broadcasts are mainly for propaganda purposes. [President Quezon's statement that Filipinos are continuing the fight in the Philippines relentlessly and with undiminished valor is borne out by Japanese admissions that all is not well in the country.] "Bt1ndits." Manila, January 8.-Deparrment Chief Nagahama, of the Philippine Gendarmerie, said in connection with the surrender of bandits: "The bandits have been opposing our forces with a thought that as Jong as they are going to be killed in the end they may as well resist tn the very end. A part of those who surrendered to our forces have already been released, and they are put into service so that they will persuade the remaining bandits in the hills to surrender to our forces. As they come to understand the a~irude of the Imperial forces they surrender in increasing numbers." Manila, January 10.-Japane~ forces. in the Philippines, as the result of January operanons aga~nst remnant forces opposing Japanese occupation, have killed 808, captured 844 and received the surrender of 4,494. Booty taken from MARCH 15, 1943 the lighting Filipinos is listed as four hand grenades, nine light machine guns, 2,191 rifles, 87 rounds of ammunition and 38 cars. [Tokyo knows what grim determination lies behind Gen. MacArthur's words, "I shall return.'' All precautions are being raken against such a return trip. Manila, beneath the surface, is jittery.] Japanese Bene-volence. Manila, January 29.-Many Filipinos are in mountain fastnesses or thorny jungles of Mariveles, Cebu and Negros, making heavy sacrifices to the cause which they believe is that of freedom. It is a tragic paradox indeed. It is a paradox of tragedy of the Filipino people that but for these people the Philippines would already be independent. It is tragic irony that they light for slavery only. But reality is within their grasp. Tojo has reaffirmed his promise of independence and asks only that Filipinos cooperate. Japan has lived up to her promises which were made with one condition only, that Filipinos collaborate with the Japanese. The question is left squarely up to the Filipinos themselves. If they desire complete indep~ndence, they need only to cooperate. [Filipinos know what kind of independence the Japanese have granted Koreans, Manchurians and others.] 7
Filipino Regiments Highly Commended High praise was officially bestowed recently upon the First and Second Filipino Regiments, formerly in training at Fort Ord, California. A letter commending these regiments, composed of Filipinos from all parts of the Philippines, was sent to the Commanding General of the United States Army Ground Forces in \\7ashington by Col. Roger S. Fitd1, commanding Fort Ord. Colonel Fitd1's commendation in full follows: '"1. During June and July of last year, the First Filipino Regiment was stationed at Fort Ord in the temporary camp known as Salinas Garrison, under the command of Col. ~ H. Offiey. This regiment came back to Fort Ord again in Oetober and was stationed near the main entrance of the Main Garrison. As it increased in strength, an additional battalion was. formed and finally the Second Filipino Regiment grew out of the First Regiment and was, while there, under the command of Lt. Col. Charles L. Clifford. Enviable Record '"2. These cwo regiments were recently ordered away from here and all of us, both of the post staff and of the field forces stationed here, regretted very mudl to see these fine organizations leave here. We were sorry to have to say goodbye co these fine regiments. They made a most enviable record while at Fort Ord and were outstanding in their devotion to duty and their fine conduct, both in. the Garrison and in the surrounding communities. They regularly worked exceptionally hard to perfect themselves in their military training and they all seemed imbued with the purpose of qualifying themselves, as soon as possible, for duty at the front. Their only thought seemed to be to get within readl of the Japs and take their full part in freeing their beloved Islands. '"3. Finally, upon their departure from here, they lefc their barracks, their comp'any streets and. their entire area in such fine condition as to cleanliness, sanitation, appearance and property accountability, as to call forth the highest praise from ail the staff officers who had occasion to check upon those matters. These two regiments were again outstanding. '"4. It seems right and proper that I should bring to the attention of high authority the exceptional record which the First and Second Filipino Regiments, under their respective commanders, Col. R. H. Offley and Lr. Col. Char· les L. Clifford, made while ar Fore Ord." Much Intelligent Effort By command of Major General Head, of che II Armored Corps, San Jose, California, the foregoing commendation was indorsed by his chief of staff, Col. John L. Pierce, as follows: 'The expression of che Commanding Officer, Fore Ord, California, reflects great credit on the First Filipino Infantry. Such praise could only result from much intelligent effort on che part of both officers and men of chis regiment." Colonel Offiey published to his entire command che lee - ter of commendation and indorsement '"in order that all may see and appreciate what happens when a job is well done" with chis message: '"The Commanding Officer desires ro thank each and every officer and man for the fine spirit displayed. The credit belongs to you." Identity Cards Help Filipinos Get Jobs Filipinos may now be employed in any office of the Federal Government, in navy yards and shipyards, in defense industries, so Jong as they can show proof of their Philippine citizenship. A Filipino seeking employment in defense industries is required to produce his birch or baptismal certificate. The great majority of the Filipinos in the United Scates, however, do not have either of these documents. To provide proof of Filipino nationality, the Office of the Philippine Resident Commissioner issues a Certificate of Identity. The certificate states chat the bearer is a Filipino citizen, owing allegiance to the United States. The photograph of rhe bearer is attadled to it. Before the 8 · PHILIPPINES is published by the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. Filipinos who desire to receive it regularly are requested to notify: The Editor, PHILIPPINES 1617 Massachusetts Avenue, N. W., Washington, D. C. Certificate of Identity can be issued, the applicant is required to fill out an application form. The Certificate of Identity is accepted by the various departments of the Federal Government and by defense industries as proof of Philippine citizenship in lieu of a birth certificate. About 7 ,400 of these certificates have been issued up to February 3, 1943. Application forms for the Certificate of Identity may be obtained from the Office of the Philippine Resident. Commissioner, 1617 Massachusetts' Avenue, N. W., Washington, D. C. The Certificate of Identity is issued free of charge.· Sec. 562 P.L.&R. U. S. POSTAGE PAID . WASHINGTON, D. C. PERMIT No. 5045 .~
Filipino Regiments Highly Commended High praise was officially bestowed recently upon the First and Second Filipino Regiments, formerly in training at Fort Ord, California. A letter commending these regiments, composed of Filipinos from all parts of the Philippines, was sent to the Commanding General of the United States Army Ground Forces in \\7ashington by Col. Roger S. Fitd1, commanding Fort Ord. Colonel Fitd1's commendation in full follows: '"1. During June and July of last year, the First Filipino Regiment was stationed at Fort Ord in the temporary camp known as Salinas Garrison, under the command of Col. ~ H. Offiey. This regiment came back to Fort Ord again in Oetober and was stationed near the main entrance of the Main Garrison. As it increased in strength, an additional battalion was. formed and finally the Second Filipino Regiment grew out of the First Regiment and was, while there, under the command of Lt. Col. Charles L. Clifford. Enviable Record '"2. These cwo regiments were recently ordered away from here and all of us, both of the post staff and of the field forces stationed here, regretted very mudl to see these fine organizations leave here. We were sorry to have to say goodbye co these fine regiments. They made a most enviable record while at Fort Ord and were outstanding in their devotion to duty and their fine conduct, both in. the Garrison and in the surrounding communities. They regularly worked exceptionally hard to perfect themselves in their military training and they all seemed imbued with the purpose of qualifying themselves, as soon as possible, for duty at the front. Their only thought seemed to be to get within readl of the Japs and take their full part in freeing their beloved Islands. '"3. Finally, upon their departure from here, they lefc their barracks, their comp'any streets and. their entire area in such fine condition as to cleanliness, sanitation, appearance and property accountability, as to call forth the highest praise from ail the staff officers who had occasion to check upon those matters. These two regiments were again outstanding. '"4. It seems right and proper that I should bring to the attention of high authority the exceptional record which the First and Second Filipino Regiments, under their respective commanders, Col. R. H. Offley and Lr. Col. Char· les L. Clifford, made while ar Fore Ord." Much Intelligent Effort By command of Major General Head, of che II Armored Corps, San Jose, California, the foregoing commendation was indorsed by his chief of staff, Col. John L. Pierce, as follows: 'The expression of che Commanding Officer, Fore Ord, California, reflects great credit on the First Filipino Infantry. Such praise could only result from much intelligent effort on che part of both officers and men of chis regiment." Colonel Offiey published to his entire command che lee - ter of commendation and indorsement '"in order that all may see and appreciate what happens when a job is well done" with chis message: '"The Commanding Officer desires ro thank each and every officer and man for the fine spirit displayed. The credit belongs to you." Identity Cards Help Filipinos Get Jobs Filipinos may now be employed in any office of the Federal Government, in navy yards and shipyards, in defense industries, so Jong as they can show proof of their Philippine citizenship. A Filipino seeking employment in defense industries is required to produce his birch or baptismal certificate. The great majority of the Filipinos in the United Scates, however, do not have either of these documents. To provide proof of Filipino nationality, the Office of the Philippine Resident Commissioner issues a Certificate of Identity. The certificate states chat the bearer is a Filipino citizen, owing allegiance to the United States. The photograph of rhe bearer is attadled to it. Before the 8 · PHILIPPINES is published by the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. Filipinos who desire to receive it regularly are requested to notify: The Editor, PHILIPPINES 1617 Massachusetts Avenue, N. W., Washington, D. C. Certificate of Identity can be issued, the applicant is required to fill out an application form. The Certificate of Identity is accepted by the various departments of the Federal Government and by defense industries as proof of Philippine citizenship in lieu of a birth certificate. About 7 ,400 of these certificates have been issued up to February 3, 1943. Application forms for the Certificate of Identity may be obtained from the Office of the Philippine Resident. Commissioner, 1617 Massachusetts' Avenue, N. W., Washington, D. C. The Certificate of Identity is issued free of charge.· Sec. 562 P.L.&R. U. S. POSTAGE PAID . WASHINGTON, D. C. PERMIT No. 5045 .~
of the Philippines. The records in the C . . . Leg~ Division show that, aside from passpo~~:~:1=i~ s:auo~ cases, this office has extended legal sen•ice to Filipm?~ m matters involving claims and compensations. disposmon of estates, reentry into the United States, filing o_f patents, veterans' pensions, imprisonment and deportauon. The Commissioner became deeply interested in the unfortunate cases of Filipinos caught in war-torn Europe. ~n a letter to the Pre_si~enr of the Philippines, dated April -8, l~?l, the ~omm1ss10ner urged the Philippine Government co provide means for the repatriation of its citizens · · · caught in war-stricken areas through no fault of their ?,w~." The Comm~ssioner reported that Filipinos had been Stripped of their personal goods" and were "desti~te:" _The Jette~ was prompted by the case of a Filipino v10hmst and his wife, who were stranded in Belgium and later in Lisbon, and finally admitted into the United States through the help of the Resident Commissioner's office. There was the case of six Filipino seamen detained at Niagara Falls for months. The Resident Commissioner intervened and these men were later released on the responsibility assumed by his office. Now they are serving as crew members of the Bataan, formerly the Limbas, Commissioner Elizalde's yacht, which was bought by the Philippine Government and offered to the United States Coast Guard service. Filipinos in Alaska engaged in fishing, hunting and trapping were regarded as aliens, and consequently, denied privileges accorded citizens of the United States. This condition persisted until their citizenship status was clari-. lied. On April 6, 1940, a statement was secured from the solicitor of the Department of the Interior to the effect chat citizens of the Philippine Commonwealth could not be prohibited from fishing in Alaskan waters. First Filipino Infantry Among the notable accomplishments of the Resident Commissioner's office is in connection with the participation of Filipinos in the armed forces of the United States. The law was changed to allow Filipinos to be commissioned in the United States Army, to waive the IO-year United States citizenship requirement for appointment as aviation cadet with respect to Philippine citizens, and to admit Filipinos as officers in the United States Coast Guard Reserve. The distinctive unit in the United States Army, known as the First Filipino Infantry, was organized after representations had been made by the Resident Commissioner to the proper authorities. Many patriotic Filipinos had informed the Commissioner of their desire to fight for the recovery of the Philippines. On February 19, 1942, Secretary of War, Henry L. Stimson, wrote the Resident Commissioner that the First Filipino Battalion would be formed "in recognition of the intense loyalty and patriotism of those Filipinos who are now residing in the United States." He said also that it would provide "for them a means of serving the armed forces of the United States, and the eventual opportunity of fighting on the soil of their homeland." Philippine News From Tokyo The following news items were picked from Japanese shortwave broadcasts. Their publication in PHILIPPINES does not imply attthenticity. Readers may well remember that Axis broadcasts are mainly for propaganda purposes. [President Quezon's statement that Filipinos are continuing the fight in the Philippines relentlessly and with undiminished valor is borne out by Japanese admissions that all is not well in the country.] "Bt1ndits." Manila, January 8.-Deparrment Chief Nagahama, of the Philippine Gendarmerie, said in connection with the surrender of bandits: "The bandits have been opposing our forces with a thought that as Jong as they are going to be killed in the end they may as well resist tn the very end. A part of those who surrendered to our forces have already been released, and they are put into service so that they will persuade the remaining bandits in the hills to surrender to our forces. As they come to understand the a~irude of the Imperial forces they surrender in increasing numbers." Manila, January 10.-Japane~ forces. in the Philippines, as the result of January operanons aga~nst remnant forces opposing Japanese occupation, have killed 808, captured 844 and received the surrender of 4,494. Booty taken from MARCH 15, 1943 the lighting Filipinos is listed as four hand grenades, nine light machine guns, 2,191 rifles, 87 rounds of ammunition and 38 cars. [Tokyo knows what grim determination lies behind Gen. MacArthur's words, "I shall return.'' All precautions are being raken against such a return trip. Manila, beneath the surface, is jittery.] Japanese Bene-volence. Manila, January 29.-Many Filipinos are in mountain fastnesses or thorny jungles of Mariveles, Cebu and Negros, making heavy sacrifices to the cause which they believe is that of freedom. It is a tragic paradox indeed. It is a paradox of tragedy of the Filipino people that but for these people the Philippines would already be independent. It is tragic irony that they light for slavery only. But reality is within their grasp. Tojo has reaffirmed his promise of independence and asks only that Filipinos cooperate. Japan has lived up to her promises which were made with one condition only, that Filipinos collaborate with the Japanese. The question is left squarely up to the Filipinos themselves. If they desire complete indep~ndence, they need only to cooperate. [Filipinos know what kind of independence the Japanese have granted Koreans, Manchurians and others.] 7
who were doing their best to keep his departure to Australia a secret. President Quezon spent March 19 in Jimenez and the next two days in Dansalan on the shore of lake lanao 2.000 feet above sea level. During his stay in Mindanao h~ designated Brig. Gen. Manuel Roxas, who had asked to be allowed to remain in the Philippines, to act for the President in all the unoccupied areas. On the night of March 22, President Quezon's party motored to Del Monte, a pineapple plantation from which they could easily reach the airfield. There they waited four days for the appearance of three Flying Fortresses from Australia. At 10 o'clock on the night of March 26 the Quezon party motored to the airfield. The cars, lighted only by the moon. moved slowly. Aboard Flying Fortress The Quezon party were helped into their places in the planes. The Flying Fortresses rose into the air and the lights on the air.field were rurned off. The President of the Philippines had seen the last of his native soil until the day of victory. The planes arrived in northern Australia the next morning. President Quezon later s~id that he had never realized that that continent was so near the Philippines. The Quezon parry breakfasted in Port Darwin. 111e eggs he had that morning were the best he had ever eaten, the President observed. The Flying Fortresses resumed their trip to southern Australia, rwo of them reaching Alice Springs in the afternoon. The plane bearing Vice President Osmeiia and Major Soriano was missing. President Quezon refused co go on with the trip until they were found, so he spent the night in a small hotel in Alice Springs. The missing plane ran short of gas above the Australian desert. The pilot grounded t~ plane to await rescue. The plane's radio failed to work. After some tinkering with it, the crew succeeded the next morning in sending a flash before it went dead again. That afternoon a rescue plane appeared. The Flying Fortress obtained enough gas to make che 50 miles ro Alice Springs. The rest of the trip co Melbourne was velvet. President Quezon and his party were taken in a comfortable transport plane from the mid-desert cown co Adelaide, where they boarded a train for Melbourne. General MacArthur was waiting for them at the station. President Quezon also met Governor General Gowrie of Australia and Prinle Minister Curtin, who expressed the admiration of the Australians for the gallant fight that the Filipinos were putting up. They felt that the determined stand of the Filipinos was aiding Australia immeasurably by giving her more time to prepare her defenses. President Quezon soon realized that he could do much more for the Philippines in Washington than in Melbourne, so he decided to accept the invitation of the President of the United States. His party boarded a San Francisco-bound American transport, a one-rinle transpacific liner, escorted by a cruiser always within a half-mile. The transport voyage was comparatively smooth and uneventful, although the ship had to zigzag much of the way. At Work in Washington ""One beautiful morning I sighted San Francisco's Golden Gate, which I never expected co see again when I entered the tunnel of Corregidor," President Quezon said, upon his arrival in Washington. In San Francisco President Quezon was met by Oscar Chapman, the Assistant Secretary of the Interior, and representatives of the Army and Navy. Aboard a special train sent by order of President Roosevelt, the Quezon party arrived in Washington on May 13, 1942. At the Union Station the Filipino leader was greeted by Franklin D. Roosevelt, Secretary of State Hull, Secretary of War Stimson, Secretary of Interior Ickes, J usrices of the Supreme Court, Senators and Congressmen, and former Philippine Governors General and High Commissioners. President Quezon and his family were invited co spend the night at the White House. The next day when the Philippine and American flags were raised at the Philippine Commonwealth Building at 1617 Massachuserrs Avenue the President of the Philippines was already at his desk. Malacafian Palace had been transferred to Washington for the duration. Philippines Is One of United Nations Representation of the Philippines in the Paci.fie War Council and its admission as one of the United Nations have brought our c~unrry virrual recognition as an independent nation. In a historic ceremony in the White House on June 15, 1942, President Quezon affixed his signarure to the Declaration of the United Nations. On the same day, in the same ceremony, Mexico also became one of the United Nations. In an address in Baltimore a few days later Under Secretary of Stare Sumner Welles said of this event: "It signalized the entrance into the rights and obligations of that pact of the people of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, whose epic resistance against the invading hordeswhose loyalty to their American brothers-will never be forgotten by the people of the United Stares. No nation MARCH 15, 1943 has ever more fully earned its right to its independence." President Quezon represents the Philippines in the potent Pacific War Council. This body, composed of representatives of certain United Nations countries, meets weekly in Washington, with President Roosevelt presiding. Ocher members are the Ambassadors of Great Britain, China, and the Netherlands, and the Ministers of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Formal recognition of the Philippines in the Paci.fie War Council and as one of the United Nations was among the first things President Quezon worked for after his arrival in the United Stares. On June 10 he wrote Secretary of Seate Cordell Hull: "The people of the Philippines are whole-heartedly devoted to liberty and fully subscribe to the principles set 3 forth in that great document, known as the Atlantic Char· rer, which was proclaimed by President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill on August 14, 1941. "We have been barding since December 7, 1941, ro preserve our country from the menace of Japanese aggression. Although a large part of our territory is overrun by Japanese military forces, our soldiers are still actively engaged in meeting and harassing the foe wherever possible. We do nor intend to be cowed by the armed might of Japan. We shall continue the struggle with every means in our power. 'We desire ro associate ourselves with chose nations which are fighting for the preservation of life and liberty against. the forces of barbarism that seek world domination. Accordingly, the Commonwealth of the Philippines hereby formally adheres to the Declaration by United Nations of January 1, 1942." Mr. Hull, in his prompt reply to President Quezon's letter, said : "The entire freedom-loving world admires the great courage and valor shown by the people of the Philippines during the past six months as they have galla?tly fought to preserve their country from Japanese aggression. On behalf of rhis Government, as depository for the Declaration by United Nations, I cake pleasure in welcoming into ·chis group the Commonweald1 of the Philip~ines." . The Philippines was the 28th country to JOIO the United Nations. Since President Quezon signed the Declaration three other nations have joined. These nations of different creeds and races are united in the war to preserve human dignity and freedom. This international recognition of the Philippines signalized the world's awakening to the Filipino's long struggle for freedom. It was a realization of a hope of the councless Filipino heroes who had given their lives in centuries past and more recently in Bataan and Corregidor. As one of the United Nations, the Philippines will participate in the reconstruction of the world envisioned by the Atlantic Charter. Because of the Filipinos' long contact with both Western and Oriental civilizations, the Philippines stands in an excellent position to serve as interpreter of the West to the Ease and of chc East to chc·Wcst. Quezon Tells Why Filipinos Fought As They Did President Quezon recently explained ta the /lmerican people why the Filipinos fought as gallantly as they did in the Battle of the Philippines. He pointed 011t the vital difference between the resistance put up by Filipinos against the Japanese invaders and the m11ch less impressive resistance shown by the people in Indo-China, Bnrma, Malaya and the Netherlands East Indies. The President said that Filipinos were fighting for their own freedom and for a country vICcory, and it will come. The Japanese occupation of our homeland we see only as a passing-though tragic-phase of our history. Our eyes arc on the future, and on the happiness and freedom which the future holds for us. The record of the Filipino people in chis war has been written in blood, and it is a record of which you and I can be proud. le is a record of unflinching loyalty to the United Scates, a record of heroic deeds. It is a record wirllouc parallel in the Orient, and-I may add-in the hi5tory of colonialism. which fully belonged to them. He to/J Americans that Filipinos fought not because they owed allegiance to the United States but because America had done what no other colonizing power had done to ih colonies. "Under your flag we had tasted freedom," the President Full text of the speech delivered by President Manuel L. Que{on before the Maryland Bar Association in Baltimore on January 16, 1943. In the case of China, which fought and is fighting Japan with a courage and determination that is the admiration of the world, she is defending her own sovereignty and declared. President Quezon's timely message to' the American people was delivered before the Maryland Bar Association in Baltimore. The full text follows: I APPRECIATE more than I can say your invitation chat I be your guest of honor on this occasion, ai;id I thank Senator Radcllife for the invitation he has extended to me in your behalf. Today, as you know, the Japanese occupy my country. But before they succeeded, we fought them to exhaustion, despite overwhelming odds. Even now there are still many Americans and Filipinos who have refused to surrender. They are in the hills, still resisting. We will continue to fight them until the .American forces arrive in sufficient numbers to throw the Japanese out of the Philippines. We have not accepted defeat in rile Philippines. The word is 4 her own Bag. In the Philippines, it was your Bag and your sovereignty that were assailed. Ir is rrue that it was our country that was invaded. But so was Indo-China, and Burma, and Malaya, and rile Netherlands East Indies, where the Hags of foreign countries were Hying. Have the natives of these countries fought the invader? Except for those who were enlisted in the regular armies of these sovereign nations, no one else among them rook part in the war by the side of the governments to which they owed. allegiance. Certainly, rile people as a whole did nor fight. WHY WAS there this vital difference in the Philippines? The answer is that, when we fought for your Bag, we were fighting for our own freedom; when we resisted rhe invasion of our country, we did so because we knew the Philippines was our country nor only de facto but de jure. And we were loyal to you, co your Hag and to your PHILIPPINES
forth in that great document, known as the Atlantic Char· rer, which was proclaimed by President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill on August 14, 1941. "We have been barding since December 7, 1941, ro preserve our country from the menace of Japanese aggression. Although a large part of our territory is overrun by Japanese military forces, our soldiers are still actively engaged in meeting and harassing the foe wherever possible. We do nor intend to be cowed by the armed might of Japan. We shall continue the struggle with every means in our power. 'We desire ro associate ourselves with chose nations which are fighting for the preservation of life and liberty against. the forces of barbarism that seek world domination. Accordingly, the Commonwealth of the Philippines hereby formally adheres to the Declaration by United Nations of January 1, 1942." Mr. Hull, in his prompt reply to President Quezon's letter, said : "The entire freedom-loving world admires the great courage and valor shown by the people of the Philippines during the past six months as they have galla?tly fought to preserve their country from Japanese aggression. On behalf of rhis Government, as depository for the Declaration by United Nations, I cake pleasure in welcoming into ·chis group the Commonweald1 of the Philip~ines." . The Philippines was the 28th country to JOIO the United Nations. Since President Quezon signed the Declaration three other nations have joined. These nations of different creeds and races are united in the war to preserve human dignity and freedom. This international recognition of the Philippines signalized the world's awakening to the Filipino's long struggle for freedom. It was a realization of a hope of the councless Filipino heroes who had given their lives in centuries past and more recently in Bataan and Corregidor. As one of the United Nations, the Philippines will participate in the reconstruction of the world envisioned by the Atlantic Charter. Because of the Filipinos' long contact with both Western and Oriental civilizations, the Philippines stands in an excellent position to serve as interpreter of the West to the Ease and of chc East to chc·Wcst. Quezon Tells Why Filipinos Fought As They Did President Quezon recently explained ta the /lmerican people why the Filipinos fought as gallantly as they did in the Battle of the Philippines. He pointed 011t the vital difference between the resistance put up by Filipinos against the Japanese invaders and the m11ch less impressive resistance shown by the people in Indo-China, Bnrma, Malaya and the Netherlands East Indies. The President said that Filipinos were fighting for their own freedom and for a country vICcory, and it will come. The Japanese occupation of our homeland we see only as a passing-though tragic-phase of our history. Our eyes arc on the future, and on the happiness and freedom which the future holds for us. The record of the Filipino people in chis war has been written in blood, and it is a record of which you and I can be proud. le is a record of unflinching loyalty to the United Scates, a record of heroic deeds. It is a record wirllouc parallel in the Orient, and-I may add-in the hi5tory of colonialism. which fully belonged to them. He to/J Americans that Filipinos fought not because they owed allegiance to the United States but because America had done what no other colonizing power had done to ih colonies. "Under your flag we had tasted freedom," the President Full text of the speech delivered by President Manuel L. Que{on before the Maryland Bar Association in Baltimore on January 16, 1943. In the case of China, which fought and is fighting Japan with a courage and determination that is the admiration of the world, she is defending her own sovereignty and declared. President Quezon's timely message to' the American people was delivered before the Maryland Bar Association in Baltimore. The full text follows: I APPRECIATE more than I can say your invitation chat I be your guest of honor on this occasion, ai;id I thank Senator Radcllife for the invitation he has extended to me in your behalf. Today, as you know, the Japanese occupy my country. But before they succeeded, we fought them to exhaustion, despite overwhelming odds. Even now there are still many Americans and Filipinos who have refused to surrender. They are in the hills, still resisting. We will continue to fight them until the .American forces arrive in sufficient numbers to throw the Japanese out of the Philippines. We have not accepted defeat in rile Philippines. The word is 4 her own Bag. In the Philippines, it was your Bag and your sovereignty that were assailed. Ir is rrue that it was our country that was invaded. But so was Indo-China, and Burma, and Malaya, and rile Netherlands East Indies, where the Hags of foreign countries were Hying. Have the natives of these countries fought the invader? Except for those who were enlisted in the regular armies of these sovereign nations, no one else among them rook part in the war by the side of the governments to which they owed. allegiance. Certainly, rile people as a whole did nor fight. WHY WAS there this vital difference in the Philippines? The answer is that, when we fought for your Bag, we were fighting for our own freedom; when we resisted rhe invasion of our country, we did so because we knew the Philippines was our country nor only de facto but de jure. And we were loyal to you, co your Hag and to your PHILIPPINES co~1ntry, n_or because under international law we owed you th.is alle~1ance, but because you have won our undying friendship and affection-because you did by us what no other colonizing power has done by the people who had fallen under its sway. For you have been our benefactors a~d liberators, and the presence of your flag in the Philippmes was the symbol of our freedom. It was there only to allow you to finish the work you had started to do--to help set up an independent Philippine Republic. That is why nor only the regular Filipino soldier fought by your side, but our own citizen army. Thar is why nor only our citizen army, bur the whole civilian population, to a man, answered the call of duty and did their pan in resisting the enemy. THE IMMENSE majority of General MacArthur's infantry -that superb military commander-was composed of Filipinos, and 20,000 of our young men laid down their lives in the Battle of the Philippines-many, many more than the lives lost by their heroic brothers, the Americans. According to official United States Government statistics, America has lost some 8,000 soldiers, sailors and merchant seamen on all fronts everywhere in the world since the war began. In this figure are included those Filipinos who were serving in the Regular Army of the United States, and the total is less than half the number of those killed who were serving in the Philippine Army. And now lee me cell you why the Filipino people fought by your side to the bitter end. By the time Admiral Dewey came to Manila, the Spaniards were able to offer only a token resistance. America's war against Spain was fought, in the Philippines. with the aid of the Filipinos themselves. After the last crumbling remnant of Spain's Empire was forced out of the Philippines, the Filipino people felt that the time had come for self-government. Their hopes were not realized. And there came instead several years of bloodshed between Americans and Filipinos. After the early years of bitterness and distrust, the Filipino people began to know and understand che real purpose of America_ They realized that the American people were not embarked on a ruthless imperialistic policy. In che words of President McKinley: ''The Philippines are ours, noc to exploit but to develop, to civilize, to educate, co train in' the science of self-government. This is the path of duty which we muse follow or be recreant to a mighty crust committed to us." EACH American President who followed McKinley reiterated this thought in his own words. During the administration of Woodrow Wilson, the Congress of the United Scates enacted the Jones Law,. which promised independence when a stable government could be established in the Philippines. This pledge America kept. Your own Senator Tydings, under the administration and with the recommendation of President Roosevelt, introduced the Bill in 1934 that fulfilled that promise. In the course of the debate on his Bill in the Senate, referring to the war between Americans and Filipinos, Senator Tydings said: ''That war never was intended. We [Americans] never intended to MARCH 15, 1943 scay there. We promised che Filipinos that, if they would cooperate with us, we would stand by them and give them their country .... In Heaven's name, is it coo much to ask under these circumstances that we give chem every chance to work om a just destiny under their own flag, and that they shall have all the assistance we can give them?" In 1934, the Tydings-McDuffie Act was passed. The Filipino people will be eternally grateful to Senator Tydings for sponsoring this legislation. I repeat: The bacrle we fought on Bataan and Corregidor less than a year ago was fought because of the spirit chat lay behind the Act which bears the name of the gentleman from Maryland. It might have been easy for us to delude ourselves into accepting the siren song of Japanese propaganda, which told us that Japan was waging war only against the United States, and not against the Filipino people. They pounded the Philippines with this propaganda. But they failed completely, because we knew what Japan had done in Manchuria and in China. And we contrasted their deeds with what America had done in che Philippines. UNDER your flag, we had casted freedom, and no people who have known the blessings of liberty will wane ro live without it. Under the terms of the Tydings-McDuffie Act, the Filipino people had established the Government of the Commonwealth under a Constitution of our own making, in preparation for complete independence. That is why the Filipino people fought. They fought for freedom. They fought because rhey knew chat America had made a promise, and chat she would keep the promise. They fought because rhey respected themselves and knew chat they-like any otl1er nation-had a right co determine their own destiny as pare of the interlocking society that is rhe human race. All chis, I am sure, was somewhere in the mind of Jesus Villamar, the young Filipino flier who led a squadron of six obsolete planes co battle fifty-four Japanese bombers somewhere south of Manila. le was the impulse which caused the Filipino soldier to hold his own helmet over the bare head of General MacArthur while the shell fragments core inco his hands on Corregidor. le was etched deep in the soul of the Filipino school teacher who preferred co die rather than obey the Japanese order co lower the American flag and fly the Philippine colors alongside the "Rising Sun" over his little village schoolhouse. The school teacher was paying tribute to the solidarity between the United States and the Philippines-a solidarity chat will live even when, one day soon, the Philippine flag flies alone over our schoolhouses. That will be on our day of independence, when the Philippine Republic cakes its place among the family of sovereign states. WHEN our flag flies alone over the Philippines, your own Scar-Spangled Banner-which has outlived the bursting bombs of Fort McHenry and of Corregidor-will always wave in our hearts, and your friendship will always be cherished by every one of us above the friendship of any ocher nation. 5 Here in Maryland, before you, the citizens of the Free State, I want to pay tribute now to Senator Tydings, coauthor of the Philippine Independence Act, and to all his colleagues in the United States Senate and House of Representatives. As for your President, under whose leadership the Tydings-McDuffie Act was passed, and who was coauthor of the Atlantic Charter, his name will be written in history as one of the world's greatest spokesmen of freedom and human dignity. The tides of war and descruction have swept over the Philippines since the passage of the Tydings-McDuffie Act. Today a new situation exists there. The years of peace and progress foreseen in the Philippine Independence Act have been scarred by Japanese aggression. The Pacific war has taught us a lesson-both the United States and the Philippines. President Roosevelt doubtless meant this when he said, while the battle was raging in Bataan: "I give to the people of the Philippines my .so~emn pledge that their freedom will be redeemed an? their independence established and protected. The entire resources in men and material of the United States stand behind that pledge." I hope that we shall have tl~e f~ll supp?rt of both ~ena tor Tydings and Senator Radcliffe m carry1.ng out President Roosevelt's pledge on behalf of the American people. W HAT America did in. the Philippines i~ time ?f peace has repaid her well m her hour of pen! and m terms of the esteem and respect of all mankind. I speak for the people of che Philippines when I express our lasting recognition of America's honorable and high-minded policy. Today, in the midst of war, the whole world looks co you to add even greater lustre to your name and reputation as the champion of human freedom. Commissioner Safeguards Filipinos' Interests Resident Commissioner Joaquin M. Elizalde can look back on more than four years rich with accomplishments in protecting Filipinos in their legal rights as citizens of the Philippines, in establishing unity and cooperation among various Filipino groups in the United States, and in promoting friendlier understanding between Americans and Filipinos. A one-time source of much trouble to Filipinos was their citizenship status in the United States. As noncitizens they were barred from many opportunities enjoyed by citizens. Ac the outbreak of the war, clarification of their status became imperative. In many cases arising from chis particular difficulty the Resident Commissioner succeeded in obtaining just and equitable legislation and rulings for Filipinos who, as citizens of the Philippines, owed allegiance co the United Scates and were entitled co privileges and opportunities accorded citizens of the United Srates. Even with their status as United Srates nationals fully esrablished, Filipinos often encountered difficulties in having themselves identified as citizens of the Philippines. To cope wich this problem, the Resident Commissioner's office, through its Nationals Division, with the approval of the Office of Philippine Affairs in the Department of Srate, issued cenificaces of identity, providing documentary evidence of their citizenship. This certificate helped many Filipinos retain or secure employment, which otherwise would have been dosed co them as a result of a misunderstanding of their true status. Filipinos Eligible to Work in Defense Plants In January, 1939, when the appropriations for the Works Progress Administration were submitted to the Congress, it was provided that no part of the money would be paid to anyone who was not a citizen of the United States. Thus many citizens of the Philippines would have been deprived of the benefits of this relief measure had it not been for the timely intervention of the Residenc Commissioner. He succeeded in including among the beneficiaries of this measure "persons owing allegiance to the United States who are in need." The same provision was included in later relief appropriations. Similar provisions in appropriation acts and national defense contracts for 1942 and 1943 permitted Filipinos to work in war plants. Today thousands of Filipinos work in shipyards, arsenals, airplane planes and Government agencies, like the Office of War Information and Office of Censorship. Passage of another bill providing "that no person shall be eligible to hold any civil position or civil office under the United Scates, and in the continental United Scates, unless such person is a citizen of the United States." It was, fortunately, never reported our of committee. Other legislative measures enacted by Congress on the strength of representations made by Resident Commissioner Elizalde include the Nationality Act of 1940, which, as amended, permits the naturalization of Filipinos who have joined the armed forces of the United States; the law appropriating the sugar excise tax funds to provide for public relief and civilian defense in the Philippines, and an amendment to the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 to give preference to Filipino seamen in posts allowed noncitizens in the American merchant marine. Legal Division Alert At one time a bill was introduced in the Senate of Washington State prohibiting aliens from joining labor organizations. This measure would have adversely affected Filipinos. With the assistance of the War Department and the congressional representatives of the state of Washington, Mr. Elizalde had the bill amended so as not to affect Filipinos. In some passport and immigradon difficulties, the Office of the Resident Commissioner has rendered assistance to Filipinos. R~pres~ntatives of this office have appeared before the lmm1grat1on Appeal Board in behalf of citizens PHILIPPINES
Volume Ill, Number 1 PUBLISHED BY THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE PHILIPPINES 1617 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, N. W., WASHINGTON, D. ·c. March 15, 1943 The Philippine Government: From Manila to Washington "One of the most epic series of desperate adventures ever undergone by a nation's civilian leader in the history of war." That was the description aptly given by General Douglas MacArthur of the perilous journey made by President Manuel L. Quezon from Japanese-besieged Manila co Washington, via Corregidor, the Visayan Islands. Mindanao and Australia. "We travelled on the sea, under the sea and over the sea," President Quezon once summarized. Again and again there was imminent danger in running the Japanese blockade. The President, who was strongly reluctant co leave Manila, bore the grave responsibility of his family and his staff. This, coupled with the poor state of his health at the time, increased the hardships of the trip. Only his iron will to live co see the day of the redemption of the Philip· pines enabled him to reach Washington to continue the fight for the liberation of his country. At the outbreak of the Pacific war President Quezon was in Baguio recuperating from a recurrence of an old illness. At 8:00 A.M., December 8, 1941, Japanese bombs were dropping on the United States Army Camp, John Hay, only a half _mile ·froin the President's residence. He immediately motored the 160 miles to Manila to take charge of the Filipino resistance against the Japa· nese-a resistance which is still going on. In suburban Mariquina President Quezon presided at meetings of his Cabinet two or three times every 24-hour day and was in constant communication with MacArthur. The Commonwealth Government was doing everything possible to help the army of Filipinos and Americans under General MacArthur. · Hard Decision . After the Japanese had succeeded in landing at several ' places in Northern Luzon, and when it became evident that they could not be stopped from closing, in on Manila, MacArthur and the President discussed the question of declar· ing Manila a~ open city. MacArthur cold the President that he was transferring his headquarters to Corregidor and want~ ,the Chief Executive to go with him. He insisted . that \t was bis ducy: to prevent the President's capture by '·the Japanese and he could only do that by having him in · · C9rregidor .. President Quezon objected. He thought it was . his duty to remain with the civilian population. He even adv~nced a counter proposal-co leave Manila and go to some unoccupied province. The Cabinet, however, by unanimous decision, endorsed MacArthur's suggestion. All the members wanted to leave with him, bur there was not enough space in the jampacked fortress. Only he, his family, Vice President Osmeiia, Chief Justice Santos, Major.General Valdes, who had been designated Secretary of National Defense, and some members of the Executive Staff, could make the trip. On December 24 President Quezon was notified by General MacArthur that the hour of departure had come. Even then, there was no despair. There wa: still the hope that help would soon come from the Unite States and the invader would be driven away in a few 1.1onths. While President Quezon and his party were on . their way to board the S. S. Mayon, which was. waiting for them in the Bay, Manila harbor was having its worst bombing of the war. The boat's departure was held up for an hour because the chief engineer could not be located. When the party finally boarded the boat, they found High Commissioner Sayre '1nd his party there. President Quezon's health had worsened, but in the Corregidor tunnel he spent his long days in conferences with General MacArthur and the members of his Cabinet on the progress of the invasion and of the resistance gallantly put up by the combined American and Filipino forces. He acted daily on the incoming reports from unoccupied areas. Inauguration at Corregidor On Rizal Day, December 30, 1941, President Quezon and Vice Presiden.t Osmeiia began their second term. The simple but impressive ceremonies on Corregidor were witnessed by the United States High Commissioner and his family, General MacArthur and his family, Army officers and nurses. The President devoted his inauguration address to reiterating his faith in eventual United .Nations victory, promising that his people would fight with the United Scates until the end and encouraging the Filipinos in their defiance of Nipponese fury. That same day President Quezon declined an invitation from President Franklin D. Roosevelt to come to Washington. At that time he could have easily . made . the trip from the Philippines to Australia and then' to the United States on a surface craft, as Singapore and Java were still holding and Japanese planes and ships were not in control of that area. But he still had much to do. The heroic stands at Bataan and Corregidor were to come. By the middle of February the lack of rice and foodstuffs had become acute. For weeks the men had been without sufficient food. General MacArthur, President Quezon and the c~binet mer and conferred. It was decided chat the President could be of more help by going to the unoccupied provinces to organize some plan of bringing in food for the soldiers at Bataan and Corregidor and to keep up the morale of the civilian population. In accordance with this decision and with the approval of President Roosevelt, President Quezon's party prepared to leave for the Visayan Islands. At dusk on February 20. an American submarine slipped through mine fields and anchored at Corregidor. In secrecy the Quezon party boarded the submarine, which immediately groped its way through the mined waters around Corregidor into the open sea. When dawn came, however, che submarine had to dive again. The submarine's interior became intolerably hot. To President Quezon this part of his odyssey was the most uncomfortable. He rurned down impatiently any suggesrion to continue the trip to Hawaii or Australia. Rather than stay an hour longer in a submerged submarine, he preferred to face the Japanese. S11bmarine Trip Ended At dawn on February 22, after 30-odd hours in the submarine, the Quezon party was at San Jose in Panay. From here President Quezon proceeded to Iloilo and conferred with local officials, including the provincial boards of lloilo and Capiz, discussing with them plans for supplying Corregidor and continuing the resistance against the Japanese as long as possible. Two days later they moved from Iloilo to Negros Occidental. Meantime, attempts were made to send ships loaded with much needed food to the harried men of Bataan, but only one ship got through, the rest being sunk by the Japanese. Vice President Osmefia and Major General Valdes then went to look Cebu over as a possible site for the Government. The appearance of an enemy cruiser summarily ended the project and the two officials returned to N egros. On their rerurn it was decided that the sear of the Government should be transferred ro Mindanao and, in order to find the best possible location, Colonel Soriano was sent to Mindanao with a letter to Maj. Gen. William F. Sharp, in command of the Visayan-Mindanao Force. When Colonel Soriano came back, he had a letter from General MacArthur whom he had seen in Mindanao. The letter informed President Quezon that by order of President Roosevelt, he, the General, was going to Australia. He urged President Quezon ro join him in Australia and from rhere ro direct the forces that would reconquer rhe Philippines. He cold him also chat on a certain day two or three PT boats would come and gee President Quezon in Negros. The President read the letter through once and, in characteristic fashion, made his decision on the spot. The hazards of the proposed trip became apparent from the very beginning. Just before leaving, President Quezon received a telegram from General Wainwright report2 ing that Japanese destroyers were in the waters that the President was going to traverse. Nevertheless, the President went to the rendezvous to meet the officer in command of the PT boars and co tell him what General Wainwright had reported. He waited for more than two hours, and when they failed to appear he decided ro rerurn ro his temporary residence, leaving Vice President Osmefia and General Valdes to wait for the boars. Bulkeley Appears When the PT boars arrived and the officers found rhat the President had gone, they drove furiously over a 20m ile stretch to overtake him. Lr. Bulkeley pulled up in front of the President's car. "We can make it tonight, sir, he said as he stepped toward the President in front of his car's headlight. "It would be harder and riskier if we tried to come back lacer for you. I strongly urge you ro come now." President Quezon raised his eyebrows and gave one long look at rhe speaker. "I'll go," said he. Later in Washington he revealed that he was very much surprised to find Bulkeley so young. When he met him in Ncgros. Bulkeley had a long beard, but when he saw him again in Australia, the naval hero had shaven. "You know, he looked just like a boy," the President told Washington correspondents. Half jokingly and half seriously he added: "Jf I had seen him like char on the night we were talking on che road near Bais, I wouldn't have set foot on his boat. But char night, with those fearless eyes and that black beard, he looked as keen and able as an old Spanish pirate." Ir was 3: 15 in the morning when Bulkeley ordered Ensign George Cox, skipper of the PT-41 to get under way, and soon the overloaded little boar was roaring seaward. Hardy members of the party gripped handrails on the narrow deck. President Quezon srayed in the wheelhouse, and Mrs. Quezon prayed in the chartroom. PT Boat Incident After two hours, when the trip's greatest peril was considered over, rhe boat staggered under a violent jolt from the open sea. It was decided ro let go a couple of torpedoes. It was a most risky enterprise to fire them, for one bursting air flask would blow up the ship. The Jong tense moment ended when two courageous torpedomen finished their job perfectly. The boar was wheeled sharply ro avoid the running torpedoes and continued the rest of the four-hour trip to Oroquieta, Mindanao, without a hitch, except for the unusual roughness. Fifteen Navy men, armed ro the teeth, leaped ashore as rhe boar touched the pier, and President Quezon came. out of the open cockpit. He saw the men approach the village co clear it of any Japanese lurking there. The President was tired bur his eyes were full of fire. The President, wearing rwo light leather jackers but no shirt, riding breeches but no boots, and leather bedroom slippers but no socks, stepped ashore, followed by Mrs. Quezon, the Quezon children-Aurora, Zeneida, Manue~ Jr.-and the rest of rhe parry. The big aowd which watched rhe landing failed to recognize their President, a fact which pleased rhe military and naval authorities PHILIPPINES who were doing their best to keep his departure to Australia a secret. President Quezon spent March 19 in Jimenez and the next two days in Dansalan on the shore of lake lanao 2.000 feet above sea level. During his stay in Mindanao h~ designated Brig. Gen. Manuel Roxas, who had asked to be allowed to remain in the Philippines, to act for the President in all the unoccupied areas. On the night of March 22, President Quezon's party motored to Del Monte, a pineapple plantation from which they could easily reach the airfield. There they waited four days for the appearance of three Flying Fortresses from Australia. At 10 o'clock on the night of March 26 the Quezon party motored to the airfield. The cars, lighted only by the moon. moved slowly. Aboard Flying Fortress The Quezon party were helped into their places in the planes. The Flying Fortresses rose into the air and the lights on the air.field were rurned off. The President of the Philippines had seen the last of his native soil until the day of victory. The planes arrived in northern Australia the next morning. President Quezon later s~id that he had never realized that that continent was so near the Philippines. The Quezon parry breakfasted in Port Darwin. 111e eggs he had that morning were the best he had ever eaten, the President observed. The Flying Fortresses resumed their trip to southern Australia, rwo of them reaching Alice Springs in the afternoon. The plane bearing Vice President Osmeiia and Major Soriano was missing. President Quezon refused co go on with the trip until they were found, so he spent the night in a small hotel in Alice Springs. The missing plane ran short of gas above the Australian desert. The pilot grounded t~ plane to await rescue. The plane's radio failed to work. After some tinkering with it, the crew succeeded the next morning in sending a flash before it went dead again. That afternoon a rescue plane appeared. The Flying Fortress obtained enough gas to make che 50 miles ro Alice Springs. The rest of the trip co Melbourne was velvet. President Quezon and his party were taken in a comfortable transport plane from the mid-desert cown co Adelaide, where they boarded a train for Melbourne. General MacArthur was waiting for them at the station. President Quezon also met Governor General Gowrie of Australia and Prinle Minister Curtin, who expressed the admiration of the Australians for the gallant fight that the Filipinos were putting up. They felt that the determined stand of the Filipinos was aiding Australia immeasurably by giving her more time to prepare her defenses. President Quezon soon realized that he could do much more for the Philippines in Washington than in Melbourne, so he decided to accept the invitation of the President of the United States. His party boarded a San Francisco-bound American transport, a one-rinle transpacific liner, escorted by a cruiser always within a half-mile. The transport voyage was comparatively smooth and uneventful, although the ship had to zigzag much of the way. At Work in Washington ""One beautiful morning I sighted San Francisco's Golden Gate, which I never expected co see again when I entered the tunnel of Corregidor," President Quezon said, upon his arrival in Washington. In San Francisco President Quezon was met by Oscar Chapman, the Assistant Secretary of the Interior, and representatives of the Army and Navy. Aboard a special train sent by order of President Roosevelt, the Quezon party arrived in Washington on May 13, 1942. At the Union Station the Filipino leader was greeted by Franklin D. Roosevelt, Secretary of State Hull, Secretary of War Stimson, Secretary of Interior Ickes, J usrices of the Supreme Court, Senators and Congressmen, and former Philippine Governors General and High Commissioners. President Quezon and his family were invited co spend the night at the White House. The next day when the Philippine and American flags were raised at the Philippine Commonwealth Building at 1617 Massachuserrs Avenue the President of the Philippines was already at his desk. Malacafian Palace had been transferred to Washington for the duration. Philippines Is One of United Nations Representation of the Philippines in the Paci.fie War Council and its admission as one of the United Nations have brought our c~unrry virrual recognition as an independent nation. In a historic ceremony in the White House on June 15, 1942, President Quezon affixed his signarure to the Declaration of the United Nations. On the same day, in the same ceremony, Mexico also became one of the United Nations. In an address in Baltimore a few days later Under Secretary of Stare Sumner Welles said of this event: "It signalized the entrance into the rights and obligations of that pact of the people of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, whose epic resistance against the invading hordeswhose loyalty to their American brothers-will never be forgotten by the people of the United Stares. No nation MARCH 15, 1943 has ever more fully earned its right to its independence." President Quezon represents the Philippines in the potent Pacific War Council. This body, composed of representatives of certain United Nations countries, meets weekly in Washington, with President Roosevelt presiding. Ocher members are the Ambassadors of Great Britain, China, and the Netherlands, and the Ministers of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Formal recognition of the Philippines in the Paci.fie War Council and as one of the United Nations was among the first things President Quezon worked for after his arrival in the United Stares. On June 10 he wrote Secretary of Seate Cordell Hull: "The people of the Philippines are whole-heartedly devoted to liberty and fully subscribe to the principles set 3

Item sets: Philippines

Media: Commissioner safeguards Filipinos' interests; Filipino regiments highly commended; Identity cards help Filipinos get jobs; Philippines news from Tokyo; Philippines is one of United Nations; Quezon tells why Filipinos fought as they did; The Philippine Government from Manila to Washington