Search Unrewarded

Three weeks after they occupied Manila, the Japs had not yet produced a quisling for the Philippines.

In spite of U.S. fears that stiff, independent old General Emilio Aguinaldo (who led the Philippine Insurrection in 1899) might head a Vichyfied government, nothing had been heard of General Aguinaldo. A Jap-inspired rumor that Manuel Quezon's old friend and secretary, Jorge Vargas, had sold out to the invaders, in return for a job as mayor of Manila, was promptly squelched by Manuel Quezon himself. Said President Quezon: "I appointed [Vargas] Mayor of Greater Manila ... in line with MacArthur's plans ... to maintain order and prevent looting. . . .

"I have not received any communication from Vargas since the entry of the Japanese forces into Manila, nor do I expect any from him now. But I feel certain that he will not do anything that would be contrary to his oath of allegiance to the United States.''

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