The Rotary Balita no. 688 [January 17, 1952]

Disturbing reports lately of unusual Communist military activities indicate new acts of aggression may be in the offing in Southeast Asia. The usually reliable French News Agency has just reported that Red vessels were reported piling up supplies on Hainan island along the Chinese mainland "for distribution to communists operating in the Philippines, Malaya and Indo-China." Heavy concentration of Communist troops were reported on the border of Indo-China and General Alphonse Pierre Juin has frankly admitted that without substantial air and naval help from the United States the 126,000 French and North African troops in Indo-China could not hope to stem an attack by 350,000 Communists reportedly massing on the border. Associated Press from Taipei added that Chiang Kai-shek fears the Reds are set for invasion of Southeast Asia territories and are merely awaiting the signal. In the midst of increased hopes at the end of the year for the chances of peace, such reports together with the repeated failures to reach a truce in Korea are throwing an ominous shadow over the world. We here in the Philippines, who again seem to lie on the path of aggression, cannot ignore the possibilities. We have to increase maximum efforts in doing our part for the peaceful settlement of international questions threatening peace and at the same time gird our- selves for the worst, if it should come again. It is lamentable that our house is equally disturbed by internal dissension. The task of the government and of each and every citizen is to bring about solid national unity. It is a tremendously difficult task indeed, but we cannot just stand by and do nothing. The problem is one that must be faced and solved. Steps must be taken immediately.