Evening star., 1940-11-17
Philippines Beginning to Look
On independence With Alarm
Even Ouezon Permits Plea for u. S. to Extend
Readjustment Period for 10 Years More
in Face of Japans March
By James q. WingO.

Arthur trained Reservists. but this un-
tested army, without the help of the
United States armed forces, could at
best only delay an attempted invasion.
Today the augmented United States
forces in the Islands are regarded suff1-
cient to make Japan hesitate before at
tempting to grab the Philippines or even
the Dutch East Indies.
In every respect since the beginning
of the present European war President
Quezon and his government have CO.
operated fully with United States
authorities in measures promoting de-
fense and apprehending spies and
saboteurs. High Commissioner Francis
B. Sayre conferSs often with Quezon and
the commanding officers Of the United
States Army and Navy stationed in the
Philippines. Despite occasional diff
ferences on other matters, Sayre and
Quezon have co-operated perfectly on
defense measures.
LiaiSOn Officer.
In Washington Joaquin NJ EliZalde,
resident commissioner, has been acting
as liaison between his government and
Federal officials. He has spent much
time with officials here in finding means
whereby the Philippine Commonwealth
can best cooperate with the United
States. He has made it crystal clear
where the loyalty Of the Filipinos lies.
There may arise in the near future a
time when the United States must have
to make clear declaration whether or
not it intends TO withdraw entirely from
the Philippines. To most Americans and
even 10 many members of Congress the
Philippine question is a closed chapter.
Fact is, there is a provision in the Inde-
/ pendence Act for one more conference
between Fllpinos and Americans, the
recommendations Of which may alter the
present outlook
The Far Eastern policy of the United
States may require the maintenance Of
formidable feet which in turn requires
a formidable naval base in the Philip
pines The United States now has a
small naval base at Cavite across the
bay from Manila, which it can retain
under the Independence Act. The United
I States also has the right to retain fuel
ing stations which can easily be ex-
panded into air bases. Doubtless the
/ United States will maintain at least one
/ air base for the accommodation Of trans
Pacific clippers.
/ Luckily for the United States, a clause
was inserted in the Independence Act
/ providing for the retention Of naval
bases and fuelng stations. When Con-
]
ence, there was practically no talk about
the possibility of United Ststes-Jap-
! anese clash. Tomorrow the Philippines
/ may be regarded as the American en-
/ pires first line of defense.
Value of Philippines.
The old argument in favor of with
drawing from the Philippines is the al
legged inability to defend the islands
against Japan. Belligerent as Japan
has been, she has not manifested any
intention Of attacking any United States
territory But if she has any intentions
of attacking the United States, il cannot
be a bad idea to keep her feet as far
away as possible from North America.
Doubtless United States willingness to
| defend the islands might depend much
/ upon the returns America would get for
| the enormous expense. Besides the high
consideration Of American Far Eastern
! policy, the United States has in the
| Philippines a source OF important tropi-
cal products, particularly Manila hemp.
If encouraged, the Philippines can grow
many Of the products now coming from
! the Dutch East Indies and British
! Malaga. such as rubber, tea and quinine.
The Philippines are rich in mineral de-
/ posits of gold, chromite, manganese and
| iron ore. Perhaps as q mineral source
the Philippines will never be vital to the
United States. But these same resources
in the hands of the Japanese might
prove dangerous economically and mill
tarily to this country.
These considerations never entered the
! congressional discussion of the Philip
pine question during the early le30s.
This fact partially explains why today
many people in this country and in the
islands favor an early denomination of
the question.