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January 03, 1948

Note: The Agreement entered into force, January 3, 1948.

Reference: This Agreement is also published in 185 UNTS, p. 370; 3 UST, p. 480 and TIAS 2406

I

THE AMERICAN AMBASSADOR TO THE PHILIPPINE SECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

No. 597

January 2, 1948

Excellency:

With reference of the transfer to the Government of the Republic of the Philippines by exchange of notes of October 12, 1947 of all right and title to, and possession of, the United States military reservation known as Corregidor Island (Fort Mills) and Pettit Barracks, I have the honor to inform Your Excellency that I have been authorized to state the understanding of my Government that, with respect to the Corregidor military reservation, the said transfer is considered to have included the islands of Caballo (Fort Hughes), La Monja, El Fraile (Fort Drum), Santa Amalia, Carabao (Fort Frank), and Limbones as well as all detached rocks surrounding Corregidor and the islands named.

In stating this understanding, I am instructed particularly to recall the following paragraphs of my note No. 115, of October 12, 1947, and to request expression of the acceptance by Your Excellency's Government of the stipulations thereof as applying equally to Caballo, La Monja, El Fraile, Santa Amalia, Carabao and Limbones islands and the surrounding detached rocks referred to:

"As a consideration of the transfer of the aforementioned property, the United States requests that the Republic of the Philippines remise, release, forever discharge and agree by specific undertaking to hold harmless and free the United States of America, its agents, and its nationals from any and all manner of liability, actions, and claims against them which the Republic of the Philippines or any real cr artificial person therein may ever have for any cause arising directly or indirectly out of the ownership or occupancy by the United States of America of Corregidor Island and Pettit Barracks.

"My Government requests that Your Excellency's Government, in accepting right, title and possession of these two military reservations agree that it will take prompt steps effectively to demilitarize all ammunition left therein."

Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration.

II

THE PHILIPPINE SECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS TO THE AMERICAN AMBASSADOR
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Manila, January 3, 1948

Excellency:

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note No. 597 of January 2, 1948 reading as follows:

[See note I]

I am authorized to inform you that the Government of the Republic of the Philippines is in agreement with the understanding of the Government of the United States of America that the transfer of the Corregidor military reservation which was effected by the exchange of notes of October 12, 1947 included the other islands named, and surrounding rocks described, in the note quoted above and further to inform you that the Government of the Republic of the Philippines considers the terms and conditions agreed upon in the transfer of the Corregidor military reservation (including the conditions specifically referred to and quoted in your note No. 597 of January 2, 1948), as applying equally to the said other islands and rocks.

Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration.

ELPIDIO QUIRINO

His Excellency EMMET O'NEAL
American Ambassador
United States Embassy
Manila