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April 24th, 1946

 

All four back issues of NT came this am. just before exercise—-nothing yet about Phil. Elections.

While at exercise was called out I thought for interrogation. Turned out pleasant surprise to be visited by Father Kennedy S.J. who was rector of Ateneo de Cagayan. Said he was liberated from Cabanatuan by Rangers together with five hundred other Americans-—was down to 120 lbs. and had been left behind because might die. Said had just come back from Manila yesterday, going tomorrow to Hokaido for duty with 11th Airborne Div. Asked how he could get in touch with Leoni—-—told him Leoni was last heard from in Gora Hotel. Suggested he inquire from Father Bitter of Joshi Univ. or Haguiwara of Gaemusho or Central Liaison Office of Jap. Govt. ——Said Ateneo High School was back in Guipit but expected to reopen with College courses in San Marcelino Seminary and Sta. Rita Hall on June 5 —also Ateneo de San Pablo (Laguna) Ateneo de Cagayan (Misamis) Ateneo de Tuguegarao— Said living conditions in Manila are still high and dificult, there are more than one million people in city—no farming at all, no carabao yet from India or Siam had arrived——everybody waiting for elections to be over and perhaps things would settle down—prices still high meat 4 to 4-1/2 pesos kilo rice
2 to 2-1/2 pesos a ganta-—Servants very expensive not less than 90 to 120 a month—but servants cannot live on 100 pesos even—Said Lt. Col. Lim, Manuel had been put in charge of all army war crimes prosecution—-Never heard of Tañada —People’s Court seemed to be very slow—Recto indicted about two or three weeks ago, had written a book. but was unable to get a copy—- Will return to Manila in six weeks and will surely pass by here to see me again. Said there was very strong Roxas reaction during last ten days of campaign—Roxas claimed would win in 48 provinces, only conceding loss in North Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija-——Nueva Viscaya whose governor was killed while driving in his car only few days ago. Tarlac about 50-50_ according to Father—about 70% of people in Manila still with malaria—all schools that are open are full—there didn’t seem to be very much news about Collaboration trials in newspapers. Had not met any of my family, but came to see me because he knew all my boys, had seen Ateneo students said Rogelio LaO asked him to look for him—Rogelio left seminary and married American girl who hadd studied in States. Spent more than 1/2 hour with me. Started conversation by stating he did not come as an Army man apologized for his uniform, but as a priest——Hope we will be back in Manila before he returns thru Tokyo, but would certainly be glad to see him again if we are still here, and will look him up if we are already in Phil.