HQ, MIS, Bataan
Filipino officers in USAFFE may get same pay as Americans, according to General. There is no reason why an American should get higher pay than a Filipino doing the same job with the same rank. Both are undergoing the same risks and both are human beings. To hell with the superior air of some Americans!
Beautiful message from MacArthur to Roosevelt. Wrote Mac: “Today, January 30th, your birthday anniversary, smoke-begrimed men covered with the murk of battle rise from their fox-holes in Bataan and batteries in Corregidor, to pray reverently that God may bless immeasurably, the President of the United States.”
Heavy raids today. Japs hit Cabcaben and Mariveles airfields.
Saw P.I. Army planes flying at three o’clock in the afternoon. Three of them. Good sign.
Reports from City indicate people cheered by raid on the 27th. Manilans started shouting recklessly. Some said: “They’ll be back in a week.” Japs started to run and hide, according to operatives. It must have been a great day in the old city.
No confirmation of rumors about Batangas landings.
Received letter from Mr. Romulo.
The General repeated his intention to send me on secret mission to Manila.
The general joked me. He said all unmarried girls in Manila will be married to Japs. “Too bad about your G.F.,” he said.
(later)
Operative just arrived from Manila. He carries a note from mama. He says the folks are all well and that Mrs. Osmeña was at home when he gave them my note. Mrs. Osmeña wrote a small letter to the Vice Prexy. Leonie also received a note from Annie and a knitted sweater. This is a great day!