August 27, 1971

EXCHANGE OF NOTES BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA CONCERNING THE RELINQUISHMENT OF THE UNITED STATES NAVAL STATION AT SANGLEY POINT

Note: The Agreement entered into force, September 1, 1971.

Reference: This Agreement is also published in 3 UST 3947.

Manila, August 27, 1971

No. 544

Excellency:

I have the honor to refer to the Note of the Acting Secretary of November 3, 1970 requesting the return of the United States Naval Station, Sangley Point to the Republic of the Philippines, and to the Embassy's note of December 10, 1970 ['] acceding to that request. The Embassy drew the Department's attention at that time to the question of timing and indicated that "formal turnover ceremonies could take place approximately seven to nine months after public announcement. This would allow sufficient time for an orderly phase out of U.S. Navy operations at Sangley and permit preparation of facilities at the U.S. Naval Base at Subic Bay for the relocation of certain units, now operating from Sangley, so that there would be no interruption in our ability to meet our commitments under the Philippine-United States Mutual Defense Treaty."

I am pleased to inform the Department that the U.S. Navy has completed its phase out of operations at Sangley, and in accord with arrangements made between our two Governments, the United States Naval Station, Sangley Point will be disestablished in ceremonies on August 31.

Therefore, pursuant to the provisions of Article I, paragraph 3, of the Agreement between the United States of America and the Republic of the Philippines concerning Military Bases, signed at Manila on March 14, 1947,1 have the honor to inform your Excellency that my Government has authorized me to relinquish its rights to the use of the United States Naval Station, Sangley Point and to its deletion from Annex A of said Agreement. It is understood that the Government of the Republic of the Philippines will hold the United States Government harmless from any and all actions, claims or expenses which may arise as a result of the use or disposition of said properties upon the termination of its present rights of operation and use.

If the foregoing is acceptable to your Government, I have the honor to propose that this note and your Excellency's reply thereto indicating such acceptance shall constitute an agreement between our two Governments which shall enter into force on September 1, 1971.

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

	HENRY A. BYROADE
	American Ambassador

REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS
KAGAWARAN NG SULIRANING PANLABAS
MAYNILA

Manila, 31 August 1971

Excellency:

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's note No. 544 dated 27 August 1971, the substantive portion of which reads as follows:

"I have the honor to refer to the Note of the Acting Secretary of November 3, 1970 requesting the return of the United States Naval Station, Sangley Point to the Republic of the Philippines, and to the Embassy's note of December 10, 1970 acceding to that request. The Embassy drew the Department's attention at that time to the question of timing and indicated that 'formal turnover ceremonies could take place approximately seven to nine months after public announcement. This would allow sufficient time for an orderly phase out of U.S. Navy operations at Sangley and permit preparation of facilities at the U.S. Naval Base at Subic Bay for the relocation of certain units, now operating from Sangley, so that there would be no interruption in our ability to meet our commitments under the Philippine-United States Mutual Defense Treaty.' "I am pleased to inform the Department that the U.S. Navy has completed its phase out of operations at Sangley, and in accord with arrangements made between our two Governments, the United States Naval Station, Sangley Point will be disestablished in ceremonies on August 31.

"Therefore, pursuant to the provisions of Article I, paragraph 3, of the Agreement between the United States of America and the Republic of the Philippines concerning Military Bases, signed at Manila on March 14, 1947, I have the honor to inform your Excellency that my Government has authorized me to relinquish its rights to the use of the United States Naval Station, Sangley Point and to its deletion from Annex A of said Agreement. It is understood that the Government of the Republic of the Philippines will hold the United States Government harmless from any and all actions, claims or expenses which may arise as a result of the use or disposition of said properties upon the termination of its present rights of operation and use.

"If the foregoing is acceptable to your Government, I have the honor to propose that this note and your Excellency's reply thereto indicating such acceptance shall constitute an agreement between our two Governments which shall enter into force on September 1, 1971."

I wish to inform Your Excellency that the Philippine Government accepts the return of the United States Naval Station at Sangley Point and considers the aforementioned note and this reply as an agreement on the matter to take effect on 1 September 1971.

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

	JOSE D. INGLES
	Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs

Source: Supreme Court e-Library