Imperial Valley Press

QUEZON RENEWS HIS PLEA FOR INDEPENDENCE FOR PHILIPPINES

MANILA, P.I., Sept. 6—In spite of the present dangerous situation in the Orient, and the virtual certainty that the Sino-Japanese conflict if continued for any length of time will have serious effects on the future history of the Philippines, President Manuel Quezon remains firm in his desire for independence from the United States at the earliest possible moment.

In a radiogram to the editors of Collier's, which they published, the Filipino president came out flatly for early independence. His only reference to the Sino-Japanese situation is his statement that independence would relieve America "of any further responsibility for the protection of the Philippines."

President Quezon's radiogram follows in full:

"In my recent trip I submitted to President Roosevelt the advisability of advancing the date of independence and I have not withdrawn that proposal. I believe it best for the Philippines no less than for America to hasten political separation thus giving the Filipino people full power and responsibility to direct their own national life in accordance with their ideals and by means of their own choice, at the same time relieving America of any further responsibility for the protection of the Philippines.

"To make this early independence an assured success, forestalling any possible serious economic disturbance, all that is necessary is to continue in its present form the trade relations between the United States and the Philippines, as provided in the Independence Act of Congress, for at least the same number of years specified in said act.

"There is no justified or justifiable objection to this proposal for it is evident that the present trade relations between America and the Philippines are no less beneficial to the United States than they are to the Philippines, each country getting its respective quid pro quo.

"From the standpoint of America there is the further advantage, if the date of independence is advanced, of terminating that much sooner her obligation to protect the Philippines. In other words, under the Independence Act America is bound until nineteen forty-six to defend the Philippines and to maintain with the Islands the trade relations provided in said act. If independence is advanced as I have suggested America will be relieved of her duty, to protect the Philippines and will only continue her present trade relations which as stated before are equally beneficial to her and the Philippines. Quezon"