FUTURE OF THE PHILIPPINES

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22376, 13 April 1938, Page 16

FUTURE OF THE PHILIPPINES

“ INDEPENDENCE MOTE VERY POPULAR”

AMERICAN OFFICER’S VIEWS

HU PUSS Special ScrwicaJ . AUCKLAND. April 12. “The movement for complete mdependence in the Philippine Islands is very popular with the masses,” said Dr. G. H. Boyer, of Pennsylvania, who arrived from Sourabaya by the Maetsuycker alter serving as a LieutenantColonel with the United States Army at Fort Mills, Manila, for the last three years. Fort Mills is an island in the mouth of Manila Bay, occupied by American troops, and frequently called the Gibraltar of the South Seas. Dr. Boyer said that the Philippine people were willing to accept the economic handicaps that would accompany the loss of free trade with America under independence. Strong efforts, however, would continue to be made by the people to retain their privileged position in the American market. Philippine currency was tied very much to American currency. Dr. Boyer said, but he would not venture to predict the effect that complete independence would have on the currencv. The President of the Philippine Commonwealth (Senor Manuel L. Quezon) was the popular choice of the people, and had gained much more in popularity since his election. Dr. Boyer continued. There was also a healthy opposition in the Legislature, led by prominent men who were members of the Quezon Government. “The National Army of the Philippines is well advanced toward organisation,” Dr. Boyer .said. “Universal service is its basis, and the draftees appear to be willing in training. This extends over six months, and the men receive a very low rate of pay.” Dr. Boyer is returning to America to re-enter the home military service. During a stay of about two weeks m New Zealand he intends to have some deep-sea fishing in the Bay of Islands,