SIGNIFICANCE OF PHILIPPINE ELECTIONS

Document Type:

CREST [1]

Collection:

General CIA Records [2]

Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST):

CIA-RDP80R01443R000200020008-1

Release Decision:

RIPPUB

Original Classification:

Document Page Count:

Document Creation Date:

December 9, 2016

Document Release Date:

December 7, 1998

Sequence Number:

Case Number:

Publication Date:

November 12, 1953

Content Type:

BRIEF

File:

Attachment	Size
CIA-RDP80R01443R000200020008-1.pdf [3]	62.12 KB

Body:

Approved For R?lease 200,0 ?RDP8ORO14 O90200020008-1 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. Approved For Release 2000/08/30 : CIA-RDP80RO1443R000200020008-1 Approved For Release 2OODNM 80RO1443R000200020008-1 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. Approved For Release 2000/08/3 -lDP80R01443R000200020008-1 Approved For Release 49WiFOIAMP80R01443R000200020008-1 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. Approved For Release 0 ? CIA-RDP80R01443R000200020008-1