THE PHILIPPINES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 107, 6 April 1932, Page 7

THE PHILIPPINES.

INDEPENDENCE BILL. NEW YORK, April 5. The Washington correspondent of the Now York Times states that the passage of the Bill granting independence to the Philippines at the end of eight years by such an overwhelming majority, clearlv indicating a preponderance of American public opinion favouring withdrawal from the Far East, is viewed with considerable alarm in Administration circles, which consider that the action is likely, to result in serious repercussions in world affairs even if the Senate extends the time limit, which is considered likeiy, or if President Hoover vetoes it.

Coincident with Monday’s vote, a letter to Senator Bingham from the Secretary of State, Mr H. L. Stimson, dated February 12, has been published. Mr Stimson vigorously opposes independence for the present. “Agitation for a change in the status of the Philippines at present would inflame the most dangerous possibilities,” lie writes. “When conditions in the Far East are chaotic and when out of the Orient may come one of those historic movements, which will disturb the whole world, independence would he an irreparable blow to American influence in tho East.” This passage is regarded as a blow to Holland and England.in view of their respective troubles in the East Indies and India, which, it is believed, “will further upset tlie whole far Pacific balance.” One official commented that “no graver news has come to Great Britain and Holland since the days of the World War,” apparently meaning an increase in colonial military requirements, which will upset Geneva calculations.

Tho agitation for the Bill presented an unusual alliance between Wall Street and the agricultural lobbies, the former wishing protection for its sugar interests in Cuba and file latter being desirous of excluding Philippine sugar from competition with domestic producers.