WesWorld

January 1942 Summary

The headlines in the major newspapers are dominated by the continued trial of the former dictator Macadandang and his political cronies, with the continuing emergence of sordid details of political scandal, secret murder and corruption – within the ranks of the so-called Populist League as well as in other political parties. There is widespread disillusionment among the citizenry with the decidedly un-democratic “democratic process” and a rising tide of calls for a more traditionalist approach to governing the nation. This is matched when the delegates meeting in at the constitutional convention called for by the Provisional Government draft provisions transferring much of the power formerly held by the office of the President to the Senate. The second year of the Four-Four Fleet Program is greeted with approval within the ranks of the naval officer corps and among the people, who see in the Philippine Navy’s modern warships a symbol of national renewal in the face of foreign threats. A visit by a task force of the Chilean Navy – featuring the aircraft carrier Chiloe – is met with much favorable comment in official circles and with great enthusiasm by the Philippine people.


Manila, The Senate Chambers, Wednesday, 7 January 1942

The members of the Provisional Government – principally the circle who had gathered around Senator Soriano a year before to plot the overthrow of the dictator Macadandang – were reviewing the many items of business before them.

“I have received a cablegram from Arellano,” said Don Andres, taking the slip of paper from his portfolio. “He has most marvelous news. The Americans have agreed to the draft treaty of amity and commerce.”

His colleagues were taken aback.

Don Rafael Ayala was the first to react. “They have no counter-proposals? No objections?”

“None thus far,” Don Andreas replied. “Of course, the American Senate – who must ratify such a treaty – could find issues. But there is nothing to indicate that at this time.”

“Then we should move ahead with due speed,” said Don Manolo Elizalde.

“Yes,” concluded Don Andreas. “A treaty with the Americans will strengthen our discussions with other nations. I will cable him to move towards formal conclusion of the agreement.”


From Compton’s Standard History of the Philippines: The Tariff Reform Act of 1942

In the fall of 1941 a set of fortuitous circumstances had presented the Philippines with the opportunity revise its tariff policy and adopt one better suited to a developing industrial economy. Its withdrawal from the South Asian Trade, Scientific Undertaking, and Military Accord, the expiry of the Trade and Friendship Treaty with the United States, and the signing of the Canberra Protocol, which nullified the Philippine-Australian Antarctic Treaty, had given the Provisional Government a tabula rasa upon which to write a new commercial policy – and it chose that course with alacrity. Adopted in January 1942 the Tariff Reform Act established a comprehensive schedule of protective tariffs conceived to shelter developing Philippine industry from potential foreign competition and stimulate investment within the Philippine economy. It featured substantial, but not overly heavy, imposts on imported manufactured goods, while favoring food, raw materials, semi-manufactures and capital goods – in short its intent was to encourage import substitution through development of domestic industries while assuring necessary imports for investment and for essential consumption. It featured provision for the imposition of punitive anti-dumping duties and the establishment of import quotas as tools of commercial policy, as well as recognition of the necessity of free ports for regional trade outside the scope of the tariff regime. The abandonment of bilateral trade preference was compensated for by adoption of new principles for commercial treaties negotiated from 1942 forward – the normalization of trade on the basis of most-favored-nation.

The Manila Herald, Saturday, 10 January 1942

The aircraft carrier Chiloe of the Armada de Chile and the consorts of her task force arrived today on a good will visit. The ship had previously called at Davao, and in her transit to Manila had demonstrated her aircraft for the benefit of observers from both the Naval Air Service and the Air Force. The Chiloe operates a large number of domestically designed and produced Sea Coati training aircraft, which sources suggest is being considered for acquisition by the armed forces in either its land based or sea-based form. The military-technical mission sent to South America last year evaluated a number of pieces of equipment produced in Chile, and sources close to the Provisional Government suggest that talks are under way for the purchase of unspecified types of military hardware.


The Philippine Gazette, Friday, 16 January 1942

The Office of the Attorney General has issued a formal request to the British authorities in Hong Kong for the extradition of Elpidio Quirino, to face charges of public corruption and peculation.

The Bohol Chronicle, Wednesday, 21 January 1942

Last Friday the shipyards at San Fernando launched the first of three new freighters building for the Manila Steamship Company. Christened the Dona Aniceta the new vessel will be employed on trans-Pacific trade routes, and it is expected that she will enter service in the spring. In other shipping news, United Philippine Lines has announced that it will construct four new oil tankers to help meet the nation’s needs for petroleum.


Manila, The Senate Chambers, Thursday, 22 January 1942

Andres Soriano read the cablegram from Edo with muted pleasure. The Provisional Government’s envoy, Don Juan de Salcedo, reported that the Shogun’s government was very much inclined to sign the proposed treaty of amity and commerce. Japan’s economic importance to the Philippines – both as investor and as an export market – demanded maintenance of close trade relations. Japan’s apparent willingness to accept the draft treaty would go far towards implementing the nation’s new trade policy.

The Daily Guardian – Iloilo City, Friday, 23 January 1942

The Senate has approved funding for the proposed Maria Cristina Falls hydroelectric scheme at Iligan City in northern Mindanao, appropriating forty million pesos to be spent over the next five years to construct the 200 megawatt power station that will power the further economic development of the region.


The Manila Chronicle, Tuesday, 27 January 1942

The Prosecution rested its case in the trial of the former dictator Macadandang; the Defense will take up its case tomorrow. In the face of the overwhelming evidence presented by the Prosecution however it is likely that the Defense will have difficulty obtaining an acquittal. Among the evidence presented by the Prosecution during the trial were the seven million pesos in cash and gold, as well as the twenty-seven million pesos in negotiable securities recovered from the Presidential Apartments at the Malacañan Palace; the Prosecution also confirmed that nearly twelve million pesos of stolen public funds have been identified in overseas bank accounts belonging to the dictator – funds which are already being repatriated to the Treasury thanks to the cooperation of authorities in Switzerland and several other European nations. The extent of the theft of public funds perpetrated by Macadandang left a visible impression on the jury.


The Mindanao Post, Wednesday, 28 January 1942

It its annual report to the Senate the National Land Settlement Administration reported that it had successfully resettled more than five hundred families on vacant lands in southern Cotobato and Sarangani provinces – nearly two thousand individuals – and confirmed that more than seven hundred individuals had relocated at their own expense to this new frontier. The Administration report indicated that it hoped to increase the number of settler families to at least eight hundred in the year ahead.

The Philippine Gazette, Thursday, 29 January 1942

The Dalipuga Refractory and Ceramics Company has registered in due form with the Commercial Registrar and has been licensed to conduct business within the Republic of the Philippines. The firm will construct a brick and tile works at Dalipuga near Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Mindanao.



United Press International, Friday, 30 January 1942

Following the presentation of a brief and somewhat perfunctory case the Defense rested its case in the trial of former Philippine president Felipe Macadandang, concluding with an impassioned plea to the jury for clemency. In the face of the overwhelming evidence brought forward by the Prosecution – including the testimony of former foreign minister Alfonso Enrile – it took the jury only one hour to find the defendant guilty of the charges leveled against him, including ordering the death of several political opponents. A sentence of thirty years penal servitude was imposed on the former dictator.

February 1942 Summary

The Constitutional Convention summoned by the Provisional Government continues its work; the spectacle of trials of former politicians for all manner of crimes continues to highlight for the Philippine people the fact that the trust they had placed in their former leaders has been betrayed at all levels. This fuels the movement toward a very conservative framework for the new constitution taking shape. On the economic front the abolishment of hold-over wartime taxation combined with new initiatives by the Provisional Government in partnership with the private sector sparks significant growth and job creation. Abroad progress is made towards reaching commercial understandings with several major powers, while the search for the hidden assets of the former dictator Macadandang and his associates continues.


Manila, The Senate Chambers, Monday, 2 February 1942

The members of the interim cabinet – senators all – met weekly on Monday to review events of the prior week and to plan for the future. In this Andres Soriano was well pleased – thus far there had been few disagreements among the members of the Provisional Government and much achieved.

“Don Andres,” asked Don Salvador Araneta, “is the further word from Arellano?”

“Indeed,” replied Soriano. “The American Senate continues to discuss the draft treaty but the Wilkie Administration seems to be steering it through committee quite masterfully; Arellano suggests that it may be ready for signature by the close of the month.”

There was a general murmur of satisfaction. “He also has met with the Mexican ambassador in Washington, and indicates that they too are interested in opening discussions along similar lines.” Soriano noted that not all of his colleagues were as pleased by this news.

“Reaching a commercial agreement with Mexico,” began Don Manolo Elizalde, “is not as vital as that with the Americans, but as the principal source of our oil imports, we cannot afford to ignore them.”

Soriano nodded; Elizalde had hit the nail upon the head. While the rough edges of the Cardenas government might not please all seated at the table, pragmatism required that they ignore personal ideology for the sake of the nation.

“I propose we send an envoy to Mexico to inaugurate formal discussions,” said Soriano. “I would nominate Don Ramon Reynado.”

This seemed to go over well. “An excellent suggestion,” said Araneta; “A good man,” noted Elizalde; “Don Ramon can walk the narrow path,” concluded Don Rafael Ayala – and he held the dimmest view of the present Mexican regime.

“Very good; I shall have his letters of credence prepared immediately,” Soriano finished. He then proceeded to the next item. “Don Juan de Salcedo reports excellent progress in Edo; the Japanese have agreed in principle to our draft. Of course, a formal decision will take somewhat longer.”

Several members of the cabinet were visibly relieved by this news; Japan was, and would remain, a trading partner that could not be ignored.

The Manila Times, Thursday, 5 February 1942

A group of private investors has announced the formation of a new venture to construct and operate the nation’s largest steel works, to be built at Iligan City in northern Mindanao. The firm, registered as the National Steel Company, has been authorized a capitalization of twenty-five million pesos, of which more than half has already been subscribed. Construction of the new works is expected to commence immediately and the investors indicate that the first steel ingots will be cast some time in 1943.


Manila, The Malacañan Palace, Thursday, 5 February 1942

Andres Soriano, leader of the Provisional Government, exited his car beneath the porte-cochère of the palace and strode towards its bullet-pocked doors while his aide closed the car door behind him. “There is much we still need to repair,” he thought. He had made the journey from the Senate Chambers to the Malacañan many times in the last months, necessary until a new government could be inaugurated. That, he mused, would be remedied soon. Today he had a meeting with the permanent under-secretary of the Foreign Ministry.

“Good morning Senator,” said Jose Laurel, the bureaucrat in temporary charge of the Foreign Ministry.

“Good morning,” replied Soriano. “Your message indicated a delicate and important matter.” Soriano felt constrained to come directly to the point.

“Yes,” Laurel replied. “As you know, we have entered into trade negotiations with the French, negotiations which are progressing rather well.”

Soriano nodded. “Yes; have there been new developments?”

“Indeed,” replied Laurel with a smile. “I have received a formal note from the French ambassador.” He handed the thick buff paper to Soriano; “It is quite interesting.”

Soriano quickly read document. The French government was, it seemed, quite willing to enter into a commercial treaty with the Philippines, and – the French prime minister, Monnerville, wished to visit the Philippines.”

“He wishes to make a state visit?” said Soriano in disbelief. “Such a gesture…” his words trailed off.


The Daily Guardian, Iloilo City, Friday, 6 February 1942

There are reports circulating in the capital that the Government plans to procure a substantial quantity of aircraft from Chile. The recent visit of the Chilean aircraft carrier Chiloe and her consorts appears to have made a deep impression on the Air Force and Navy staffs, but to date, no details have been announced. If true, it marks a significant change in the procurement policies of the armed forces, which heretofore relied upon Japanese or American designs.


The Mindanao Journal, Monday, 9 February 1942

The latest of the Navy’s new fleet destroyers, the Iraya and the Sembrano, were launched today at the naval shipyard at Butuan. They were quickly towed to the fitting-out basin where their sisters Pinatubo and Arayat are nearing completion. The ceremonies of their launch were attended by hundreds of well-wishing citizens and dockyard workers.

Manila – Nielsen Airport, Tuesday, 10 February 1942

The non-descript airliner landed and taxied to the far end of the airport, near the cargo terminal. When its engines stopped a force of the Philippine Constabulary troopers emerged from the terminal to surround it. After a few moments the passenger door of the airliner opened.

“I see we have a reception committee,” said a voice in the King’s English. “It’s time to let our guest deplane.”

What seemed like a bundle in the shape of a human figure was thrust from the airplane and taken charge of by two burly constables.

“We’ll be off now,” said the disembodied voice from within the airplane.

“You have the thanks of the Senate and the People of the Philippines,” said the officer in charge of the escort detail.

The aircraft’s engines coughed to life again and it began to move away from the terminal.

The hood which blinded the passenger was removed and he blinked in the unaccustomed light.

“Welcome home, Senor Quirino,” said the officer in charge. “A nice cell has been prepared for you while you await trial.”

Having taken off, the airliner set a return course for Hong Kong. “What do you reckon they’ll do with him,” asked one of the British agents that had returned Quirino to the Philippines.

“Dunno,” replied the other. “But if the newspapers are anything to go by, his trial will be swift and certain.”


Manila, The Senate Chambers, Thursday, 12 February 1942

The members of the Provisional Government gathered for one of their new frequent plenary meetings. Many things were falling into place and soon the Constitutional Convention would be complete, and with it, the regularization of the political situation.

“My friends,” said Andres Soriano, leader of the Provisional Government, “we have suffered a setback.”

“How so?” asked Don Manolo Elizalde.

“The Iberian Government insists on removal of the most-favored-nation clause from the proposed treaty of amity and commerce,” Soriano replied. “They claim a prior commitment to their treaty partners.”

There was a sense of great disappointment in the news, yet Soriano merely shrugged.

“It is not disastrous,” he continued. “The decisions of the United States, Japan and France may sway their thinking for the future – but for the moment I have directed our envoy to suspend discussions.”

“You would have thought that they would see the opportunity the treaty represents,” said Don Manolo.

“Bah,” snorted Don Pedro Roxas, “if they had had foresight, we would still be an Iberian colony.”

“We cannot expect every nation to fall over backward to see things our way,” intervened Soriano. “One day, perhaps, nations will see that discriminating in favor of one set of trading partners does not bring long-term prosperity. Now, on the matter of the proposed Council of Ministers…”

The Arsenal de Manila, Friday, 13 February 1942

Armando Sanchez, Deputy Director of Works of the Arsenal de Manila and Ferdinand Topacio, a contract administrator of the Ministry of Defense, awaited the arrival of their visitors with anticipation. The now-empty aircraft assembly works of the arsenal were among the sites being considered for lease by the Chilean constructor Fanero, who would be supplying the Philippine Air Force with new observation aircraft.

The sedan bearing diplomatic license plates approached the parking lot at the gate and parked; from it walked the two expected visitors - Ricardo Soré, the Fanero engineer in charge of setting up local operations in the Philippines, and the commercial counselor of the Chilean embassy, Horatio Polizzi.

Greetings were exchanged and the four embarked upon the tour of the arsenal’s former aircraft assembly works.

“Why are the works vacant?” asked Soré as he walked toward the first building.

“The arsenal assembled Japanese designed aircraft principally for the naval air service – which have gone out of production,” replied Sanchez. “The existing buildings were not large enough to assemble the Martin B-26 – so new facilities were built in Makati near the airport.”

“Yes,” agreed Soré, as he stood in the cavernous assembly shed. It was long and rather narrow – adequate for single-engine aircraft but too narrow for a large twin-engine aircraft. “They are still in good condition,” he remarked.

“Some of the workmen have left to work at the new facilities,” Sanchez admitted. “The rest have been retained to keep the works in standby condition, should they been needed in an emergency.”

The second assembly hall was like the first – long, narrow, but in good repair. Soré thought that they would be adequate for assembly of the kits of the new Alpaca. They moved on to the engine workshops.

Here a number of workmen were still employed overhauling engines of the Navy’s Nakajima floatplanes. Soré was impressed with the care the workers exhibited in their work. He also noted the test chambers for the engines – their sound proofing adequate but not sufficient to totally silence the roar of an engine test.

“Senor Sanchez,” Soré commented on reaching open and quieter space, “the facilities look very promising.”

“Thank you,” replied the Deputy Director. He led them towards the waterfront. “As you see, there are working wharves that can receive lighters and directly offload cargo to rail cars…” he said, pointing to the rails laid into the cement paving of the yard.

Soré’s eyes widened. “That is a great benefit,” he commented. Proper flow of materials to the workshops would be a major factor in the overall success of the project.

“Is there anything else you wish to see Senor Soré?” asked Topacio.

Excellente!

Great work, Bruce !

United Press International, Manila, Monday, 16 February 1942

Trial opened today in the case of former vice-president Elpidio Quirino, on charges ranging from peculation to complicity in murder. In his opening remarks the Public Prosecutor stated that he would prove that Quirino had conspired with others to thoroughly plunder the Treasury, and introduced into evidence the records of more than fifty million pesos Quirino had managed to lodge in foreign bank accounts.


The Manila Times, Wednesday, 18 February 1942

The Constitutional Convention completed its work today and submitted a revised Constitution for consideration by the Senate and the Provisional Government.


The Freeman, Cebu City, Friday, 20 February 1942

The Colorado class minesweepers Isabela and Sierra completed their post-construction trials and were declared operational today as part of Minesweeper Escort Squadron One, operating from Puerto Princesa as part of the Western Patrol Force.


The Mindanao Post, Sunday, 22 February 1942

Thousands flocked to the naval shipyards at Butuan to see the completion and formal commissioning of the new destroyers Pinatubo and Arayat. The promise of renewal embodied in these fine ships has heartened the spirits of the Philippine people and they may rest confident in the ability of the Philippine Navy to defend the nation against any aggressor.

The Philippine Gazette, Tuesday, 24 February 1942

The Senate has passed the Mining Reform Act of 1942, which reduces the special tax levied on precious metals mining from the twenty percent to ten percent; it is anticipated that this reduction – together with other reforms contained in the act – will stimulate the mining sector and expand gold output.


The Manila Times, Thursday, 26 February 1942

The Senate has ratified the Constitution recently submitted by the Convention, and has called for elections to fill the seats of the Legislative Council.


The Manila Herald, Friday, 27 February 1942

The partially-dismantled hulls of the torpedo boats Audaz, Furor and Osado were towed into dry dock today to begin their final demolition, which is expected to complete in April.


United Press International, Washington, DC, Saturday, 28 February 1942

In ceremonies held here today Secretary of State Arthur Hendrick Vandenberg and Cayetano Arellano, Envoy Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines, signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, heralding a new stage in diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations. Immediately following the ceremony Senor Arellano departed from Washington National Airport to return home to the Philippines, where he will take up the office of President of the Council of Ministers, the chief executive office of the Philippine Government.

Against the backdrop of the continuing trial of Elpidio Quirino the formation of the new Philippine Government begins. Elections return a conservative Senate and Legislative Council. Cayetano Arellano is selected to form a new executive while the leadership of the Senate remains in the hands of Andres Soriano and his fellows. The Government moves forward to implement its new trade and commercial policies, as well as reaching new accords with the Church pertaining to public education. Reforms continue within the armed forces, which are now postured to defend the nation against renewed Chinese hostilities.


Manila, Tuesday, 3 March 1942

The Pan-American Airways Clipper delivered Cayetano Arellano home to a hero’s welcome, much to his surprise; thankfully, a delegation of senators, led by Don Andres Soriano, were there to whisk him away from the crowds after a perfunctory speech for the crowd.

“I do not understand Don Andres,” Arellano began. “What have I done that makes the people so happy? I have merely done what was asked of me.”

“This is quite true,” Soriano admitted. “But you have convinced the Americans to treat us as equals in matters of commerce, and that is important for our people. Not only that, but you have paved the way for agreement with the Mexicans as well.”

“That will be Don Ramon’s handiwork,” Arellano said, deferring to the envoy sent by the Provisional Government to Mexico City.

“Yes,” replied Soriano. “But the Americans are important; particularly as the British and the Dutch rejected our position of equality.”

Arellano shrugged. “That is regrettable. I had hoped that they would see the possibilities…”

“One day perhaps,” Soriano concluded. “But there are more important matters. The Council of Ministers requires a president; you have had time on your flight to consider your decision?”

Arellano paused before replying. “Yes, I have. I appreciate the trust that the Senate has in my ability, and it has always been my desire to be a servant of the Philippine people. I will accept, if that is the wish of the Senate.”

Soriano smiled. “It is. While there are still details to work out, I fear we must deal with your appointment hastily. The French Prime Minister, Gaston Monnerville, is arriving tomorrow for a state visit. We must have a President of the Council to greet him.”

Arellano was dumbstruck. “Tomorrow?” he finally stammered.

"Prime Minister?"

"Hm?" Gaston Monnerville said, opening his eyes from his short nap. "Yes, Jean-Luc, what is it?"

His personal assistant sat down in the chair. "The flight crew just told me we're thirty minutes out from Manila. We also received a radio update from Saigon: Arellano was officially installed as President of the Council."

"Ah," Monnerville said. He took a few moments to compose his thoughts. "Good. Remind me to give Deuxième Bureau a pat on the back for their good guess." He twisted has head and massaged his neck. "We're thirty minutes out, you say?"

"Yes, Prime Minister. You should have ten minutes if you need to move around."

"Good. I think I had too much of that Saigon flavored water," Monnerville said, heading for the rear of the cabin.

He returned eight minutes later as the throaty roar of the Clergets descended into a deeper, slower purr, and the occupants yawned to pop their ears from the pressure changes. Monnerville, sitting on the starboard side of the Émissaire, watched Cavite City recede beneath the leading edge of the wing, and listened to the whine of the flaps and landing gear. In the distance, one of the escorting PAF Nakajimas banked away.

Setting down on Nielsen Field's longest runway, Émissaire backed her engines and rolled to a stop before the pilot turned the lumbering aircraft around and headed in the direction of the terminal.

"Well then, gentlemen," Monnerville said, unbuckling from his seat and standing. "I suppose it's time for us to earn our pay."

Jean-Luc offered Monnerville his freshly-brushed hat and waved toward the back of the plane. "It looks like we'd be best off to use the airstair, Prime Minister."

"Thank you, Jean-Luc," Monnerville said, accepting the hat and waiting for the aircraft to come to a stop.

The Manila Herald, Wednesday, 4 March 1942

Monsieur Gaston Monnerville, Prime Minister of the French Republic, arrived today to the well-wishes of hundreds, who turned out to witness the first visit of a foreign head of government to the Philippines. He was greeted by Cayetano Arellano, President of the Council of Ministers, and by a delegation of the Senate led by Don Andres Soriano. Monsieur Monnerville will be engaging in discussions with the Government on a wide range of issues, in which trade and commercial issues are expected to figure prominently.


The French Embassy, Manila, Wednesday, 4 March 1942, Evening

The flight from Saigon and the welcoming ceremonies at Manila’s Nielsen Field had proved tiring, and Gaston Monnerville found the evening’s scheduled rest to be a welcome one. He sat in the embassy’s library with Pierre Lerroux, France’s recently appointed ambassador, reviewing a situation which seemed to be changing with unnerving rapidity.

“So Lerroux,” asked Monnerville, “exactly who is in charge here now? Arellano’s title suggests that he is but the way he deferred to Soriano and the other senators suggests otherwise.”

“That is a good question Prime Minister,” replied the ambassador, “Part of Arellano’s deference might be chalked up to his recent swearing in – he has been President for less than thirty-six hours”. Lerroux paused before continuing, composing his thoughts. “And then there is the nature of the revolution that overthrew Macadandang – Soriano and many other senators played a prominent role – he his highly thought of. But principally, I think it is the new Philippine constitution.”

Monnerville nodded. “I have not yet had a chance to see it myself; my aide was briefing me on the details, but I cannot say I fathom it all.”

“Emmanuel Sieyès would appreciate it,” said Lerroux. “The Consulate without Napoleon. Real power is in the hands of the Senate, who can appoint and dismiss the ministers as they see fit. And the members of the Senate, in their private capacities, own most of the land in the country, and dominate its business. It remains to be seen if Arellano is anything other than a front man.”

Monnerville frowned at this frank assessment. He had hoped that parliamentary democracy would flourish after the overthrow of Macadandang. “So we are dealing with a clique of oligarchs?”

“In many respects, yes” Lerroux confirmed. “But they are not unprincipled oligarchs – I believe that they are genuinely committed to progress for the Philippine citizenry, for economic development, and for justice – as they would define it. And after years of corrupt politicians exploiting their office for private gain, the Philippine people seem happy to see their traditional leaders in charge of things.”

He paused again. “The Principalia – heirs of the chieftains who ruled before Magellan discovered these islands – have a strong sense of duty towards their people. They were overshadowed by the revolutionaries who fought the war of independence and who have led the country since. The tables are now turned, and despite a strong sense of social and economic conservatism, the new leadership is actually addressing the needs of the people in concrete terms.”

At this Monnerville shook his head. “I begin to understand, but I think that the next several days will be very interesting.”

Manila, The Senate Chambers, Friday, 6 March 1942

Andres Soriano sat on the dais and surveyed the packed Senate chamber before him. This day would mark a great step forward for his vision for the nation – a government responsive to the real needs of the people, a government that was respected by the international community, and a nation that could take its place as an equal on the world stage. The discussions of the previous day with the French prime minister and his staff had been frank and illuminating, and Soriano realized that the future would not be without disappointments – but it was clear that France saw friendship and expanded commerce with the Philippines as worth sending its prime minister all the way to Manila. It underscored what Soriano had long thought of the French – dedicated to higher principles yet pragmatic at the same time.

His attention was drawn to the doors at the far end of the chamber that now opened – and side by side in walked Cayetano Arellano, newly-installed President of the Council of Ministers, and Gaston Monnerville, Prime Minister of France. They slowly walked down the aisle to the applause of the assembled senators and moved to their places on the lower dais. Soriano banged his gavel and called for order, so that the ceremony proper could begin.

Arellano was the first to speak. He stood at the podium and looked down at his brief notes.

“Esteemed senators, my fellow-countrymen,” he began. “We gather here today to formally sign a treaty of amity and commerce between our nation and the Republic of France. It represents for us a new day, a new chapter in the ever-growing friendship between our two nations. I invite you to receive the words of my counterpart, Monsieur Monnerville, in the spirit in which they are intended – the spirit of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.”

Monnerville rose to the applause of the Philippine Senate. “Good stage management,” he thought. “Less then a year ago they were blaming France for the Treaty of Saigon.”

“France,” he began, “has always recognized the importance of the Philippines as a major element in the peaceful development of Asia, a role it has played historically. The treaty we will sign here today merely confirms that fact. It is my hope, and the hope of the French people, that commerce and prosperity will flow from the actions we take this day, to the betterment of our nations. It is my most sincere wish that our nations grow closer in all fields of endeavor.”

From his place in the gallery a reporter for the Manila Times scribbled down notes. “Grow closer in all fields of endeavor…” he thought. “Yes, you’ve one-upped the British… all their efforts have gone up in smoke.”

Their speeches completed, Arellano and Monnerville stepped from the lower dais to the table upon which the copies of the treaty text were laid for signature. Each signed their respective copy, which aides then exchanged, so that both copies had true signatures.

Soriano banged his gavel again. “Gentlemen of the Senate,” he pronounced, “the treaty before you requires your assent. How vote you now?” he asked in a very formal voice. A unanimous “Aye” thundered back. He smiled and stood. “In the name of the Senate and the People of the Philippines,” he began. “This treaty has been ratified. Mister President, Monsieur Prime Minister, you have the thanks of the Senate for all your efforts in this matter.”