RULE IN PHILIPPINES

Taranaki Daily News, 25 March 1935, Page 7

RULE IN PHILIPPINES

PERIOD BEFORE INDEPENDENCE. PRESIDENT SIGNS DOCUMENT. By .Telegraph—Press Assn.— Copyright. Rec 7.10 p.m. Washington, March 23. Surrounded by beaming Filipinos, President Roosevelt signed a document which provides for home rule in the Philippine Islands in the ten year period that must elapse before complete independence becomes effective. The President explained that while the islands would largely control their own affairs during the transitory period the United States would retain a good deal of authority. The Governor-General, Mr. rrank Murphy, cabled to Manila to call a special legislative session within ten days to set a date for an election at which the Filipinos will vote on the acceptance of the constitution. Until complete independence comes the United States will see to defence and foreign relations. The Commonwealth reserves the right to take over Customs in case the Philippines fall behind in debt services. Not mentioned but definitely in the background, was the possibility that Japanese penetration might in time be a ’threat to independence and that the islanders themselves might ask for the period before complete independence to be extended. A Commonwealth Government will be set up on November 15, to be succeeded on July 4, 1946, by a Philippine republic.