MALACAÑAN PALACE
Manila
Oct. 21, 1978
My assessment is that we need martial law to bring about a successful termination of the secessionist movement of the MLF.
If martial law is now lifted even partially, the MNLF will not be under any pressure to negotiate a settlement.
Specially now that Col. Khaddafi has sent word as of the 17th that he wants the negotiations resumed.
And we cannot trust him unless we negotiate from a position of strength.