Marcos Diaries

December 29, 1978

I decided to call Sen. Dan [Daniel] Inouye to seek his help, today. It is providential that our house in Paoay Lake has a long distance telephone that can reach any part of the world. Sen. Inouye was in Washington when I arrived at 2:00 PM from the inauguration of the...

December 28, 1978

When the United States decided to normalize relations with the People’s Republic of China, I concluded that the danger of nuclear war was reduced. Since the threat of nuclear attack, against which there could be a certain complete defense, was one of the principal...

December 24, 1978

At 8:00 AM I called up Amb. [Richard] Murphy by telephone to inform him that after he left the Philippine group met and agreed to inform him of the Philippine position: Leave the matter of jurisdiction unresolved but that the U.S. govt. [government] should agree to...

December 23, 1978

Conversations on Military Bases with Amb. R. [Richard] Murphy. What is meant by “external attack?” We raised this with the mutual defense board in 197______ at the beginning of the [William] Sullivan-[Eduardo] Romualdez negotiations. Does it include infusion of...

December 16, 1978

Seaside At 9:00 AM Ambassador [Richard] Murphy came to my home at 21, 2nd Street, Paranaque (Seaside) to deliver to me the text of a letter of President [James] Carter informing me of his projected announcement 9 PM Washington time, which would be 10 AM Manila time...

October 21, 1978

My assessment is that we need martial law to bring about a successful termination of the secessionist movement of the MNLF [Moro National Liberation Movement]. If martial law is now lifted even partially, the MNLF will not be under any pressure to negotiate a...

February 17, 1978

Today is a day of crucial decisions. Not only the Metro Manila primary but the last day for filing the certificates of candidacy for the April 7 election but now I shall remember it as the day the American government tried to pressure me to change the National...

December 25, 1977

We have hit oil on Christmas Day. This was the news we were tensely waiting for the result of the drilling by City Services at West Nido. Now it is “most positive.” Oil shows in the mud started at 6,867 feet although gas shows were not even before 6,470 ft. I pray it...

November 29, 1977

I have decided to order Sec. J. [Juan] Ponce Enrile to bring about a reopening of the trial of Ex. Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. to give all the accused a chance to submit whatever arguments and evidence they may desire. I attach copy of my letter-instruction and the...

November 26, 1977

I prepared a statement on the [Diosdado] Macapagal charges. I attach copy. And the New York Times biased editorial and reporting. I met Gen. Delfin Argao who was the Constabulary (Japanese sponsored) commander in Bulacan when Gen. Alfredo Santos and Col. Fidel Cruz...