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August 24, 1967

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Exploitation of Natural Resources within US Military Bases

Agreement effected by exchange of notes;

Signed at Manila 24 August 1967;

Entered into force 24 August 1967.

I

The American Ambassador to the Philippine Secretary for Foreign Affairs

No. 161

Excellency:

I have the honor to refer to discussions between representatives of our two governments concerning the question of exploitation of natural resources within United States bases in the Philippines and to confirm the understandings reached as a result of these discussions as follows:

1. It is mutually agreed that the exercise of the right to exploit natural resources within the bases shall be carried out conformably with the principles, procedures and conditions set forth in the exchange of notes of April 8, 1957,^[1] which gives full recognition to the desirability of fostering the economic development of the Philippines and to the need to insure the security of the bases and the ability to accomplish military operations and training.

2. Application for access to bases used by the United States for the purpose of evaluation or exploitation of natural resources located therein will be transmitted by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs to the Embassy of the United States for forwarding to the appropriate United States military authorities. Such application shall be supported by documentation showing that the application has the approval of the responsible Philippine authorities to evaluate or exploit the specific natural resources, as set forth in the application for access, in accordance with Philippine law.

3. Each such application for access to bases for evaluation or exploitation of natural resources shall be promptly reviewed by the Philippine-United States Mutual Defense Board which shall determine whether the evaluation or exploitation can be undertaken in a manner consistent with the security and operation of the base area.

If the foregoing is acceptable to Your Excellency's government, I have the honor to propose that this note and Your Excellency's reply indicating such acceptance shall constitute an agreement between our two governments to enter into force on the date of Your Excellency's reply.

Accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Embassy of the United States of America
Manila, August 24, 1967

WILLIAM MCC. BLAIR, JR.

His Excellency Narciso Ramos
Secretary for Foreign Affairs
Republic of the Philippines

II

The Philippine Secretary for Foreign Affairs to the American Ambassador

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Manila, August 24, 1967

No. 19530

Excellency:

I have the honor to refer to your note No. 161 dated August 24, 1967, which reads as follows;

[See note I]

I am pleased to inform Your Excellency that the understandings indicated above are acceptable to my Government. Accordingly, Your Excellency’s note and this note shall constitute an agreement between our Governments.

Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration.

NARCISO RAMOS

His Excellency William McCormick Glair, Jr.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
of the United States of America
Manila