A recent party given by wealthy socialite De Leon included many bigwigs of Filipino politics and industry. Mrs. Roxas greeted Aquino with: "Well, so you made another speech."

Aquino looked up, knowing what to expect. "Did you read it?" he asked cautiously.

"No," answered the Madame, "but I've heard about it — from MANY quarters."

"I suppose," said Aquino, getting the point, "that if I had made a pro-American speech you would have followed it completely."

"Oh sure," answered Mrs. Roxas, "but only in the papers — not on the radio. Your English is abominable."

And that was only the beginning. Over dinner, Aquino got quite a going over led by Roxas. What Independence is this? What freedom? How? Where? What? The gent didn't have a good time.

If Roxas gets the Red Cross post, he might have to do a little provincial traveling — and maybe get lost in the wilderness, so to speak. He's trying to drag Juan Elizalde and Enrico Pirovano into the government. Laurel is frowning because the two are white.

Tribune: "P.I. Now Enjoying Complete Independence says Aquino" — in a speech in San Fernando, Pampanga. But read this: "The legislative leader developed this theme in a determined effort to answer the queries of some people as to the kind of independence which was proclaimed last Thursday." It's not only Roxas who's unconvinced, but 95% of the Filipinos too.

"Laurel Forms Cabinet.... Foreign Ministry is Created.... Recto appointed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs." Only now? Why, he signed the alliance last Thursday!

Commentator: "On the first day of the Philippine Republic, the 18 million Filipinos ratified a treaty of alliance." Like hell we did!

Today, Laurel and Recto slugged it out to convince Filipinos that the pact doesn't mean WAR unless we're invaded. The Recto touch was there, but it was tinged with uncertainty. He disappointed a lot of people.