THE PHILIPPINES

Hokitika Guardian, 6 April 1932, Page 6

THE PHILIPPINES

INDEPENDENCE VOTED.

AT THE END OF EIGHT YEARS

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.)

WASHINGTON, April 5

The House of Representatives today passed the Hare Bid, to grant Independence to the Philippines at the; end of eight years, i . p The .‘“New York Times’ ” Washington correspondent states: “The passage by the United States House of Representatives at Washington of Representative’ Hore’s Bill for the grant--ing of independence*, to the Phillippine Islands by majority clearly indicates that there is' a preponderance of American public opinion favouring the withdrawal of America from the Far East. The vote is viewed with considerable alarm in the administrative circles, who coni sider that the action taken by the Houses is likely to result in serious repercussions in world affairs, even if the Senate were to extend the time limit fixed, which it considered likely, or if President Hoover vetoes it. Coincident with to-day’s vote, a letter to Senator Bingham from Mr Stimson (U.S, Secretary), which is dated February lSth last, has been publish; ed. In this Mr Stimson vigorously opposes Philippine independence for the present. He says.- “An ..agitation to change the status of the Philippines' at present would inflame most danger-' ous possibilities when the conditions in the Far Easf‘ifi'e chaotic-, and when f ont of the "fofrehir there may come one of those historic movements which will disturb the whole world. The indedependence of the Philippines would mean an irreparable blow to American influence in the East.”

The passage of the Bill in official circles is regarded as being particularly a blow to Holland and to England, in view of their respective troubles in the East Indies and in India, and it is believed further that it would “upset the whole far Pacific balance.” One official commented: — “No graver news has come to Great Britain and to Holland since the days of the World War,” apparently meaning that any-increase in colonial military, requirements would upset, the-, Geneva calculations. - - •• ; - The agitation for the Bill to grant Philipine independence has presented an unusual alliance of the Wall Street and' Agricultural lobbies in the House the former wishing for the protection of their sugar interest in Cuba, and the lnttpr being desirous of excluding the Philippines’ sugar competition with the domestic producers.