The Rotary Balita no. 776 (July 21, 1955)

Three Manila Rotarians, each representing a local commerce chamber, cited the facts and figures of their countries' trade with the Philippines at the regular luncheon-meeting of the Manila Rotary Club at the Manila Hotel on July 14. W. C. Palmer III, vice-president of the American Chamber of Commerce, pointed out that while before the war the U.S. bought 80% of the Philippines' total exports, this trade has dipped down to 67% after the war and during the six-year period from 1949 to 1954. G. H. W. Churchill, president of the Manila Chamber of Commerce, observed that up to the turn of the century, most of Philippine foreign trade was with European countries. With the 20th century came American influence and the various trading agreements between the Philippines and the U.S. which have chanelled the bulk of the country's import and export trade with America. Yang Sepeng, speaking on behalf of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, said that Philippine-China trade relations have been closely intertwined during the past centuries and that because of such ties, it has become a "solemn obligation" of every Chinese in the country to see to it that this young republic remain and continue to remain prosperous. During the luncheon, Evening News publisher Marvin Gray spoke on fellowship and asserted that the appreciation of fellowship has never been more needed in the Philippines than it is needed right now. Gray added that unless "we stop calling each other carpetbaggers, imperialists, crooks, racists and so on ad nauseaum," the Rotary Club would come apart at its very seams.