News for this day in 1941 – a view of the South Pacific as seen by American reporter Burt Silen in Manila. From his point of view there was no immediate danger of war coming from Japan, but Manila, as well as the rest of the Philippines and surrounding islands were in preparation for what could become an eventuality.
The citizens of the Philippines reaffirmed their loyalty to the United States in event of war and have pledged their all. including their lives, in the defense of democracy. At the same time, however, that allegiance places this country under an obligation to the Philippines to protect them from invasion. That obligation was present prior to that but the action of the Filipinos strengthens it. The citizens of the Philippines pleaded for independence for a long period of years.
The question was one that sorely puzzled congress and all administrations. It was not generally felt that the islanders had progressed to the place where they could survive as an independent nation. In short, there was a question whether the Philippines were still fledglings or had developed strength to fly. Finally the problem was solved by granting the islands the status of a commonwealth which was to cover a period of 10 years. During that time the citizens were to demonstrate that they could govern themselves and were entitled to their independence.
The status was accepted by the islanders with the full responsibility which went with it. We are not so sure now that the citizens of the Philippines want their independence. We are sure they do not want it at this time. The island” are in a “hot spot” in the Pacific, and until the United States finally severs the “tie that binds”, this nation is bound to protect them, and will. In a general way, the Philippines are a protectorate of this government and the citizens recognize that fact.
Meanwhile, for all the talk of peace in the foreseeable future, there were enough indications throughout Asia and the Pacific region that an uneasiness had settled in and that war most likely would happen, but when wasn’t known or even speculated for sure as Japan built up its war machine and laid plans.
Here is that report as given by Bert Silen from Manila on June 12, 1941 from NBC.
South Pacific – Outlook And An Assurance Of No War – June 12, 1941
News for this day in 1941 – a view of the South Pacific as seen by American reporter Burt Silen in Manila. From his point of view there was no immediate danger of war coming from Japan, but Manila, as well as the rest of the Philippines and surrounding islands were in preparation for what could become an eventuality.
The citizens of the Philippines reaffirmed their loyalty to the United States in event of war and have pledged their all. including their lives, in the defense of democracy. At the same time, however, that allegiance places this country under an obligation to the Philippines to protect them from invasion. That obligation was present prior to that but the action of the Filipinos strengthens it. The citizens of the Philippines pleaded for independence for a long period of years.
The question was one that sorely puzzled congress and all administrations. It was not generally felt that the islanders had progressed to the place where they could survive as an independent nation. In short, there was a question whether the Philippines were still fledglings or had developed strength to fly. Finally the problem was solved by granting the islands the status of a commonwealth which was to cover a period of 10 years. During that time the citizens were to demonstrate that they could govern themselves and were entitled to their independence.
The status was accepted by the islanders with the full responsibility which went with it. We are not so sure now that the citizens of the Philippines want their independence. We are sure they do not want it at this time. The island” are in a “hot spot” in the Pacific, and until the United States finally severs the “tie that binds”, this nation is bound to protect them, and will. In a general way, the Philippines are a protectorate of this government and the citizens recognize that fact.
Meanwhile, for all the talk of peace in the foreseeable future, there were enough indications throughout Asia and the Pacific region that an uneasiness had settled in and that war most likely would happen, but when wasn’t known or even speculated for sure as Japan built up its war machine and laid plans.
Here is that report as given by Bert Silen from Manila on June 12, 1941 from NBC.
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