¡
With the Compliments
of the
(A 5146/793/Bder Secretary of State
Capy
(4
ra. 23.
Copy to:
for Foreign Affairs
12 JUL
Washington, No. 21.
Colornal Office
British Consulate-General,'
54058/41
Hong Kong 4.0. Left RECEIVED
sir,
14 JUL 1941 C.O. RECY
With reference
MANILA.
April 23rd, 1941.
A793/793/45
32
your telegram No.8 of the 24th February, I have the honour to pamit herewith copies of the formal letters of thanks which I addressed on the 17th April to the President of the Philippine Commonwealth and to the United States High Commissioner for the facilities and assist- ance afforded by the Commonwealth authorities and the Philippine Red Cross respectively to the British women and children evac- uated from Hong Kong to Manila last July.
2.
President Quezon received me at a full meeting of the Commonwealth Cabinet at Baguio on the 19th instant, when I presented to him the silver bowl on behalf of His Majesty's Government. In his reply the President stated that he was glad to have this opportunity of expressing his sincere admiration for England and for the fight which her people were waging for liberty and freedom. The Philippines stood ready to help the British in every possible way, but of course it must be remem- bered that foreign relations were at present bound with those of the United States.
3.
The Philippine Red Cross is at present holding its annual conference at Baguio and I was therefore able to present the pieces of plate to Mr. Forster, the manager, and his lady helpers, at a full meeting of the Society on the 21st April. Mr. Forster, replying, stated that, in these days, they spoke the name of "England" with affection and profound respect, and that to be of service to her people at such a time was a rare privilege, for in serving British women and children, they felt they were standing side by side with England.
4.
This morning I proceeded to army headquarters to present the salver to the Philippine Department. I was welcomed by a salute of guns from the fort and received by Major-General Grunert and the whole of his staff. In accepting the salver, General Grunert stated that his officers and men were most happy to be of service to the British people and were ever ready and willing to cement the bond which exists between our nations, and in every way to show their admiration for the magnificent fight which we are making in furtherance of the aims and ideals of democracy.
5.
The presentations were a complete surprise to all classes, both American and Filipino, and this expression of the gratitude of His Majesty's Government at the assistance afforded the evacuees has undoubtedly served to strengthen the sympathy which is with Britain in her fight against Nazism and the desire to assist her in every way that is open to them.
I have, etc., (Signed) S. Wyatt Smith.
Consul-General.
The Right Honourable Anthony Eden, M.P., M.C.,
etc.. etc., etc.