Ex-Prime Minister Kiichi [Aiichi] arrived at 4:00 PM and called on me at 6:00 PM.
Mr. Cyrus Salzburger and his wife Marina arrived at 6:10 PM and called on me at 7:00 PM. He is the chief Foreign Correspondent of the New York Times and was met by Imee. Our two guests are staying in the palace with us.
I received Vice Mayor Acausa of Tongkil accompanied by Delegate A. [Antonio] Raquiza,
our agent Salafuddin and the Vice Mayor’s secretary. The Vice Mayor helped the beleaguered PC [Philippine Constabulary] troops of the small detachment in the island.
He received a commendation from the Prov. Commander for his courageous act. And I have given him a revolver and a rifle, the revolver to have a bronze plate showing it is a gift from me.
They have been able to meet Maas Bawang the rebel leader in Pananao and Luuk and four other leaders who are ready to surrender and tight for the government.
They will try to prevent hostilities to erupt in the Bilaan Road to Talipao where Mayor Tulamie is preparing to attack the rebels who hold the road and prevent the entry of food into the town. The rebels are under Ra______ a defeated mayor and political opponent of Mayor Tulamie.
It looks to me like the rebels are ready to cooperate with the government if we give the proper enticements.
So I have decided to work the negotiated peace in Sulu through these men.
One disturbing fact in the statement of Maas Bawang to Vice Mayor Acansa and Salafuddin that Ahmad Baguis at the instance of Commodore [Gil] Fernandez, wrote Maas Bawang to kidnap Tony Raquiza on the road to Parang.
I have called Baguis to Manila to be investigated.
No Official Gazette entry for this day.