The Rotary Balita no. 678 (August 16, 1951)

Rotarians were thankful that the program committee was able to present at such a short notice, H. V. Kaltenborn, dean of American Radio Analysts, who after a very amusing introduction, aroused the members when he urged a realistic reappraisal of the proposed Japanese peace treaty insofar as Philippines' claim to reparations is concerned. He pleaded that the United States and the Philippines should practice mutual tolerance and understanding. He cited the grim experience that the Filipinos went through the occupation and during the liberation when not only Filipino lives were lost but also homes razed to the ground. "We in America suffered the same or deal," he admitted. "But aside from our boys dying in lands foreign to them, we in United States were fortunate enough to have our families and homes spared from the war. So that in a great measure, the Filipinos are entitled to more than what they got." He disagrees with Dulles in certain respects, especially with that pertaining to the claim for reparations of the Filipino people. But he said that his disagreement is alloyed by his knowledge of Dulles' mentality. In order to understand the Dulles proposals. it is important that the Filipinos know his background, namely: (1) because he had been a member of the American commission that levied reparations against Germany in World War I, and Dulles knows that to impose uncollectible reparations from Japan will make things worse, (2) Dulles is a Christian gentleman who does not believe in the vindictiveness and who believes that turning the other cheek is the greater part of valor; and (3) he foresees the need of Japanese help in the fight against Communism. "The fight against Communism has just started in Korea," he said. "But there is still more to be done." He praised President Vidal A. Tan of the University of the Philippines for his courage in giving his opinion that most graduates now are half-educated. He gave his views of the different Asian countries he had visited. In Pakistan, prices are high due to the present Korean situation. In India one would see the mobilization of troops and refugees. In Malay States, the chief problem is the trouble given by the Communist-led guerrillas. Independence gave nothing to Indonesia but all troubles. In fact Indonesia faces the danger of communist invasion. Blessed of all the Asian countries, he claimed, is the Philippines. The Philippines is lucky to have America-trained leaders, unlike Indonesia, and the guidance that the United States had given her so that during her independence, she was already prepared. Paul "Purico" Parrette who recently arrived from abroad gave a very interesting but short review of his observations in other countries. As next highest in the last voting Paul succeeded into the Vice-Presidency of Manila Rotary, "Doc" Ayesa by the same cause automatically joined the Board of Directors. Continuing the program of the Rotary Information Council, Past Governor "Emy" spoke on the history of Rotary. He started his short speech with, "Past governors never fade nor die, they live to talk." Karl Kreutz then reminded Rotarians of the coming homeside meeting urging everyone to attend. Fine Master "Woody" Wood put up a fine show although Kaltenborn thought that the fines he imposed were too gentle. First to be fined was Conrado Benitez for his good showing abroad in the ILO conferences, and before the 4-H club in the U.S. Ralph Hawkins took the brunt alone when Chick Parsons could not be found, for their guilt in allowing a proofreading error in the umbrella of the Evening News. Paul Parrette for his recent trip was also fined P10.00. The meeting ended after the club sung the Sidewalks of New York dedicated to Commentator Kaltenborn.