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| ★ | Pg.2 Advice | Pg.3 A mess! |
June 15, 1944
Daihon-ei's farce on the Marianas' Raid: "124 enemy planes blasted, warship sunk in Marianas." On June 11, a powerful enemy task force appeared in the area to the east of the Marianas and air-raided our bases on Saipan, Tinian and Omiyashima during the afternoon of June 11 to the forenoon of June 13. On June 12 ... the ships resorted to bombardment. Our force on the spot intercepted the enemy, sinking one warship and shooting down 121 planes as well as damaging 3. Of the 124 planes claimed, their airforce shot down 4 — anti-aircraft guns downed the rest. The Japanese made one attack against the ships — at night. So without an airforce, how could the Japanese suffer "negligible damage" after three days of bombardment and American air attacks? "Government wants suggestions from public.... President eager to know needs and grievances of people" — as if he didn't know the people need food and clothes. What do they get instead? Without any word from any public official, the Biba has ceased all rations of rice, lard and sugar. "More than 1,500,000 people benefited by Government Relief Work" — another farce. They spent P1,500,000 — one Peso per person. Splashes: "We have been urged to increase production for over two years." See? It's OUR fault! The Editorial nonsense of the day tries to pin the blame for the lack of sugar on the Americans. A hundred-pound sack of sugar is now P1,100! Still, Laurel wants suggestions. If that's all he can come up with then perhaps he should resign. |
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| Pg.1 Marianas | ★ | Pg.3 A mess! |
June 15, 1944
AdviceYesterday I visited a widow and daughter who asked me for advice on what to do with their cash and goods. You can imagine my plight. They had some cash and a valuable stamp collection. A friend had advised them to sell everything, but he had no advice on what to do with the money. I said: "Buy all the food you need, change to genuine cash, hold your stamps." "But suppose we have to leave the house?" "Take the stamps along." "Suppose we have to leave in a hurry." "Make any sacrifice, but take the stamps." "Suppose we are robbed?" "Cheer up, you might have been killed," I said before kicking myself. "Should we buy some shares?" "If you can get good ones; I can't find any." "Who can appraise the value of these stamps?" "Nobody — correctly. He'd have to be clairvoyant. Values change from day to day, if Germany fell shortly, their value could increase even more." The family had already sold two pianos for P28,000, and I knew the cash had already lost some value. I took a deep breath. "Inflation is a trying time. Not only money but HEALTH is involved. Worrying will get you nowhere.... My advice: Keep genuine currency, keep well supplied, and hang on to your assets as long as you can." After 45 minutes I was exhausted and glad I had to leave to catch a ride home in Schaer's truck. |
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| Pg.1 Marianas| Pg.2 Advice | ★ |
June 15, 1944
What a mess! Anselmo Trinidad told me today, "I'm trying to buy all the food I can...." I asked, "But how are the poor going to live?" My mind is preoccupied with this problem. Aurelio Montinola, who was playing golf with Laurel when he was shot, told me a month ago: "I told Laurel ... take care of the poor no matter what it costs..." and I agreed it had to be done. The crying need of the hour is leadership — just what is lacking. Platitudes and paternal benevolence is all Laurel can exude. Leadership can be shown in hundreds of ways — one is getting money for the poor via the government and via the rich. Ah, the rich — what a talking-to they need! But where is the leadership to point the way? Has Laurel asked for — no, demanded — food? Why is the Philippine government skimping over money when the Japanese are gushing it out and undermining the currency anyway? How can government employees or the Constabulary be expected to remain loyal and straight when they cannot live on their salaries alone? . . . . A friend of mine saw Manuel Roxas today. Roxas looked up grimly and said, "Sorry, I'm not in the mood to talk today. Come tomorrow." La Vanguardia: "Laurel to assume direct supervision of Manila.... No changes expected." One more item from the Tribune: "Group of third party aliens now in Manila." They are on their way "elsewhere" having been brought from the southern parts of the country. "The matter was made public to prevent any groundless rumors suggesting that the visitors are prisoners of war or internees." The denial is because they ARE being treated that way to prevent them from talking about the situation in the south. ...ooOoo... |