PHILLIPINOS DEMAND INDEPENDENCE

Evening Star, Issue 17312, 27 March 1920, Page 5

PHILLIPINOS DEMAND INDEPENDENCE

» —■ The Philippines are determined to have their according to Mr Maxhne _IU. Kalaw, secretary of a mission to the United States, who was in Seattle recently ou his way home to the Philippines. )Vithin a year another mission, composed of members of the Legislature, labor advocates, and prominent business men will be sent to Washington to press the claims for independence, is the assertion of Mr Kalaw, who says: "We feel the time has come for tho United States -t-c- ledeem its pledges. It is stronger than that. It is an obligation which all parties now recognise. We are not a commission of politicians, nor of special interests, tut a' duly constituted body named by the Filippino Legislature. About 40 composed the iast mission, and as many more will bo • members of the mission to bo sent out within a year. Ihe Philippine nation is asking independence in any form the United States is willing to give it t-c. lis. We have proposed that America might grant our request under ens- of the four iollowing plans: *l. Independence for tho Philippines wilder the League of Nations. " 2. Independence, absolute and complete;, 3. Independence under a treaty of neutrality between the United K:aies ai:d Japan and other Powers, establishing ug as a neutral nation somewhat after the pattern of Holland. 4. Independence under a protectorate from the United States, to endure for a term of_ years, or until the United States is willing to give us absolute independence. "Our feelings towards the .United Statei are filial, loyal, and reverent. We have no grievance against the American Government except the natural desire of our people to he free: There has been no disorder in the islands for six years. We subscribed doable our quota for every American bond fesu«. Confidence in our friendliness has been Shown us in that the United States has withdrawn every white soldier from the islands."