The New York herald., 1922-05-21
HARDING OPPOSES
FILIPINO FREEDOM
Islands Not Yet Prepared For
independence Administra
TONS Views.
MISSIONS FAILURE SEEN
Delegation on It's Way Here
Win Be Informed Definitely
Of Decision.
MISSIONS FAILURE SEEN
Special Dispatch 20 THn New YORK HERALD
New York Herald Bureau.
Washington. -. G.. MAY 20.

Special Dispatch 10 THn New YORK HSsALD
New York Herald Bureau,
Washington. ID. G.. May 20.
President Harding Is opposed to grant
ing Immediate independence to the
Philippine Islands. Secretary Weeks is
authority for the statement, which was
In explanation of that made yesterday
by the President that he hoped the dele
gates who are coming to Washington to
ask for independence would be told
something more definite than they
hitherto had been told on this subject.
This attitude. announced In advance
OF the arrival of the Philippine mission
is regarded as booming it to failure.
II am not in favor of granting I'M
mediate Independence to the Philippines,
and. the President is not" was Secre-
tary weeks's statement.
The Secretary explained that the
Wood Forbes report, made after an ex-
haustive study of conditions in the ISL
ands, the administration of Gov.-Gen.
Leonard Wood and the report itself.
have the complete Endorsement OF the
Administration.
Secretary Weeks says that so far as
the Administration understands the OBJ
ject of the mission. which includes in its
membership Quezon and Osmena, two
of the most prominent Filipinos in pub
lie life. the mission will ask for COM
plete independence for the islands, in
Guiding the right to elect the Governor.
They will ask, however. for the protec-
ton of the United States and financial
assistance when 1t is necessary.
THE United States Is not going to
accept responsibility without power.
Secretary Weeks declared.
The mission coming to Washington
represents the element OF the Filipino
people now In power. it is explained, al
though 1t does not represent the Govern
ment since 1t does not have the indorse-
Inent of Gov Gen. Wood.
The Secretary pointed out that while
the Filipino people might vote for inde-
pendence, II does not follow they are
ready for It, nor that really intelligent
Fiipinos want it. In fact. 1t is sug-
gested that both Quezon and Osmena
probably would be very much startled
and disappointed IL independence were
promised at once.
The War Department has expressions
from leading men in many Of the is
lands to the effect that complete inde-
pendence at this time would not be de-
sirable.
The Administration believes the peo-
pie are not ready for the measure OF
Independence they desire. and that 1t
would be an offense against civilization
to stop the great work the United States
has inaugurated for the purpose OF
granting the shadow OF independence
which the Filipinos probably would not
know how TO use, once they got 1t.
The letter of instruction given by
The Independence Commission of the
Philippine Legislature to the Philippine
mission which is due here -soon has
this paragraph:
GENTLEMEN: In compliance with the
desires of the Philippine Legislature, the
Independence Commission is sending you
10 the United States to continue labor
already accomplished toward independ-
ence and to obtain from the people and
Government of the United States the
immediate recognition of the absolute
and complete independence of our coun-
try"