The United States will continue to watch sympathetically the efforts of the peoples of Asia to forge stronger ties of economic cooperation and collaboration, to hasten the progress of self-government, and to preserve their freedom.

We have been appointing boards like that for--if I am not mistaken--for 15 or 20 years, and it hasn't ruined the country.

I think I made a statement to you about 2 years ago, when this same agitation was in force, that General MacArthur is at liberty to come home whenever he sees fit.

The Budget now is working on a short budget which shows just exactly what the situation is.

General Vaughan, I imagine, had some appointments in his office.

I want him to get the facts and satisfy himself.

It is pending, and as soon as I can make the announcement, I will announce to you just exactly what I propose to do.

We have never been favorable to the Communists.

No, he will not.

I sent down a 'thank you' letter to General Eisenhower for his help on the reorganization bill.

The communiqué which was released by the President of the Philippines and myself covers the conversation.

The first three sections of this bill are without objection.

I continue to hold this belief, and in this instance there seems to be no justification for abandoning present practice.

I return herewith, without my approval, H.R. 5508 - An Act to amend the Army and Air Force Vitalization and Retirement Equalization Act of 1948.

Mr. President, I am extremely happy that you are not going home emptyhearted, and I am very sure you won't go home empty-handed, either.

I appreciate most highly this presentation, and I shall treasure it all my life, and give it to my daughter.

The Congress and the members of all reserve components may be assured that I would approve a bill limited to the purposes of these sections which seek affirmatively to correct an effect of the 1948 retirement act that was not intended.

I want to drink to the health of the first President of the Philippine Republic who has visited the United States of America.