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Thursday, February 5, 1970

Office of the President

of the Philippines

Malacañang

Thursday

February 5, 1970

10:20 PM

Called Ambassador Byroade to find out if they (the Americans) are supporting me in the fight against the subversives. He said they would. Whatever they have done to encourage intransigence among the Liberals, we should neutralize them before a total confrontation with the communists. To satisfy the American ego I asked for the accelerated delivery of the helicopters and some ammunition for both training and combat.

My principal worry, however, is the effect of the IMF program of a free rate of exchange. This will cause further increase in prices beyond the reach of the common man. My barber, Conrad, tells me that money is becoming scarce.

Byroade handed me his letter informing me that Pres. Nixon would like to receive me in California in mid or late August. I have accepted the invitation but I have delayed the publicity. This may cause another demonstration.

Asked Rep. Salipada Pendatun to keep peace in Cotabato and put some sense into the Liberals.

We are now preparing for the military confrontation with communism. Legal studies on whether an arrest can be made without warrant if I suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus and if the arresting officer can be charged for illegal detention when the writ is restored. Then an assessment of the evidence against the target personalities.

We must prepare for a legal fight.

ATTACHMENT 

Letter of Ambassador Byroade (Page 1 of 2)

Manila, Philippines

February 3, 1970

Dear Mr. President:

You will undoubtedly recall that in your recent discussion with Vice President Agnew, the latter extended President Nixon’s invitation for you to pay a visit to the United States and suggested late 1970 or early 1971. During that conversation mention was made of the fact that many Heads of States would be going to America for the Twenty-fifth Anniversary Session of the United [Nations]. The Vice President later pointed out to you his thought that this would hardly be good timing from our point of view as with so many visitors it might be difficult to give your own visit the priority and attention that he knew President Nixon would desire. I believe, but am not certain, that Vice President Agnew suggested that a later date might be preferable.

I now have the authority to explore with you the possibility of a somewhat earlier date of mid or late August. If such timing would prove convenient to you, I am informed that President Nixon would like to receive you in California as he has found that that locale has proven ideal for comparable state occasions. I have been informed also that he would like a Pacific coast setting

 

His Excellency

Ferdinand E. Marcos

President of the Republic of the Philippines

(Page 2 of 2)

for the actual meeting with you as he feels this would lend emphasis to the mutual interests of our two countries in the Pacific community.

I will be most pleased, of course, to pass along your thoughts on this matter.

Sincerely,

(Sgd.) Henry A. Byroade