Letter from Secretary of War Robert Patterson to President Harry S. Truman, with Attachment
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OCR Page 1 of 6WAR DEPARTMENT
WASHINGTON
4 March 1946
The President
The White House
Dear Mr. President:
I do not concur with the recommendation that Philippine
collaborationists be tried by a tribunal constituted by U. S.
military authorities. I believe that the United States should
not undertake this responsibility and particularly that the
military should not do so. My views are based on practical
considerations as well as considerations of policy.
Policy Considerations against U. S. Assumption of Responsibility
The Philippines are to be independent by July 4 of this
year. U. S. prosecution of collaborationists at the last
moment before independence would indicate to the Philippine
people and the world that we do not trust the ability of the
Philippine Government to manage its own affairs. This evidence
of lack of faith would weaken the new Government at the outset.
Moreover, selection of a group of defendants purporting to be
the most important collaborationists would have grave political
implications, which might leave us open to a charge of attempt-
ing to influence Philippine political life after independence.
The proposed prosecutions would be a departure from our
known policy which has been in effect since the liberation of
the Islands. General MacArthur's directive, which was approved
by President Roosevelt, provided:
11
the ultimate disposition of all civil
collaborationists is primarily the responsibility
of the civil authorities. #
In compliance with this directive, General MacArthur has con-
sistently maintained the position toward the Philippine people
that prosecution of collaborationists is a responsibility of
the Commonwealth Government. A change in this policy in the
last few months before independence would certainly be viewed
with suspicion.
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