Manuel A. Roxas, 'Remarks on the Signing of the Treaty of Amity between China and the Philippines'

Remarks on the Signing of the Treaty of Amity between China and the Philippines

April 18, 1947

Mr. Minister:

The treaty which we have just signed is an earnest of the steadfast desire of the Filipino people to live in peace and friendship with the great people of China. It offers the assurance that any differences of opinion between the two countries will be threshed out in the same spirit of mutual tolerance, understanding, and trust which has brought the negotiations for the present treaty to a conclusion equally acceptable to both countries.

I wish to take advantage of this opportunity, Mr. Minister, to commend the cooperative spirit which you displayed, under difficulties which we all appreciate, in order to arrive at a successful understanding with the negotiators of this Government.

Your Government was one of the first to recognize our Republic. It was one of the first to initiate negotiations for a treaty of amity. It is now the first, aside from the United States of America, to actually conclude it.

You can assure your Government and People that their sentiments of amity and common interest are fully reciprocated. We wish to live in peace with all the countries of the world but more particularly with those that are our neighbors and with whom we have for centuries maintained the friendliest relationship. Among these, China is the most important. I trust that this friendship based on mutuality of interest and a common adherence to the principles of freedom and democracy will endure through the ages. Let this treaty, Mr. Minister, be the assurance not only of our good will, but also of our readiness to work together with you for our common good.