12:40 PM
Nov. 12, 1972
Sunday
Malacañan Palace
Manila
The actuations of the Americans before the elections generated the fear that the U.S. was so tired of war that the American people were willing to buy peace at any price — even at the price of being a second class power, or second in military might to others.
But the victory of Nixon, I hope, will change all this. For peace in Asia or for that matter the world may depend on the credibility of the U.S. commitments and agreements.
The U.S. commitment in the U.S.-Phil. Defense agreement (notwithstanding the fact that action for defense against external attack will depend upon decisions in accordance with her constitutional processes, which means Congress would have to decide whether to fight or not and unless the provocation is grave Congress might decide to negotiate even at the expense of the Philippines) at least may now mean something.
Although I do not believe we can expect much in the way of military aid although we may be able to get some economic aid for Land Reform.
Gov. Kokoy Romualdez just talked to me by long distance telephone. He tells me that Pres. Nixon seems to be following what I am doing — asking for discipline, reorganizing the government, resignation of the officers. But that seems logical.
Today I worked on the exports problems — GATT, LTA (Long Term Agreements on Textiles) EEC-ASEAN consultations. Asked Sec. Cesar Virata and T. Quiazon to work on them and submit reports.
Imelda and I loafed around all morning.
She watched the Bagong Anyo ’72 on TV in the afternoon with her friends. I went to Pangarap to play golf but it started to drizzle so I exercised indoors, had a long massage and talked to Imee by long distance to wish her a Happy Birthday. She was at the Del Mar, a beach house for the nuns at her school in Sta. Catalina. She is 17 today.
I attach the cable we sent her.