SIGNIFICANCE OF PHILIPPINE ELECTIONS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80R01443R000200020008-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 7, 1998
• Sequence Number: 8
• Publication Date: November 12, 1953
• Content Type: BRIEF

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StCURITY INFORMATION (~ u'"
NSC BRIEFING
SIGNIFICANCE OF PHILIPPINE ELECTIONS
I. Careful preparation by civic groups for
free Philippine elections paid off hand-
somely in Magsaysay's impressive victory.
A. Every intimation of dubious intent on
part of Quirino men had been heavily
publicized.
B. They apparently decided odds against
them too great to buck.
II. Fact that public demand for free election
recognized and respected will significantly
strengthen Philippine democracy.
A. In past it has been more aspiration
than reality.
III. Not to be assumed, however, that Philip-
pines has once and for all achieved
stability.
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A. Magsaysay has recognized integrity
but meager political experience.
25X6A
IV. Pro-American tag pinned on Magsaysay by
Liberals proved to be political asset in
Philippines.
A. Elsewhere in Southeast Asia fact that
"American" candidate won may be re-
`1 garded as indication that Filipinos
still American puppets.
V. Inevitably some disillusion among Filipinos
in months to come, land reform economic
problems unresolvable on short term.
A. Magsaysay has raised hopes that can-
not possibly be satisfied.
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B. Some powerful members of his party
will oppose attempts to satisfy them.
B. But prospect for good government in
Philippines is brighter than ever
before.
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