White House Press Release

HOLD FOR RELEASE HOLD FOR RELEASE HOLD FOR RELEASE AUGUST 30, 1951 CONFIDENTIAL: The following remarks, to be delivered by the Presi- dent, President Quirino of the Philippines, Secretary of State Acheson, and General Carlos P. Romulo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, on the occasion of the signing of the Treaty of Mutual Defense with the Republic of the Philippines, is for auto- matic release at 12:00 noon, E.D.T., Thursday, August 30, 1951. No portion, synopsis, or intimation may be published or broadcast bo- fore that time, PLEASE GUARD AGAINST PREMATURE PUBLICATION OR ANNOUNCEMENT. JOSEPH SHORT Secretary to the President NATIONAL Remarks By President Truman ARCHIVES AND Mr. President: I am very glad that it was possible for you to join us here today. We have witnessed the signing of a mutual defense treaty between our two great countries. The signing of this treaty symbolizes the close ties that bind the people of the Philippines and the United States. Our community of interest was put to the bitter test when our two peoples stood shoulder to shoulder on the battlefield, a few short years ago, to resist aggression. In that struggle, our countries went together through the agony of temporary defeat, and together rose to the heights of victory. In defeat and victory, we were not divided. We showed to all the world that aggressors can defeat free men only temporarily, and divido them never, so long as the fire of freedom burns in their hearts. In peace as well as in war, our countries have worked to- gether. The half century of peaceful and fruitful cooperation bc- tween the Philippines and the United States is proof that both our countries are guided by the same ideals and striving for the same objectives. We have demonstrated that two peoples, however differ- ent they may be in background and experience, can work together for their common welfare if they have the same belief in democracy and the same faith in freedom. The treaty that we are signing here today, therefore, rests on firm foundations. It gives formal expression to something that already exists -- to the firm relationship of brotherhood that binds our countries together. We have already expressed in other agreements our common interest in matters of defense and in economic matters. We have shown our common devotion to the cause of peace in our support of the Charter of the United Nations. Our soldicrs are fighting side by side today in Korea just as they fought at Bataan and Corregidor and for the same purpose -- to check aggression and defend the rights of free peoples. This treaty, therefore, is a natural development springing from the long association of our countries and our common sacrifices for freedom. It is a strong stop toward security and peace in the Pacific. It demonstrates to all nations that we intend to continue our common course and to work together in the future, as we have in the past, for peace for all mankind. Mr. President, the people of the United States are happy to join with the people of the Philippines in this mutual expres- sion of our united will to go forward in the cause of peace and freedom.