President-elect of the Philippines, Manuel Acuna Roxas, watches as his host, Col. A.S.Strickland, tops off his cup of coffee. Mr. Roxas and his party of eleven, including U.S. High Commissioner, Paul V. McNutt, were on their way to Washington D.C. for a conference with President Truman. They had made a brief stop at McChord Field for refueling on May 8, 1946. Even though the Air Force base was given warning of the visit only hours before the big transport actually arrived, press and cameras were on hand immediately to photograph the arrival and subsequent meal. In his prepared speech at the conclusion of the breakfast, Mr. Roxas praised General Douglas MacArthur for the outstanding job in restoring the Philippines to the Filipinos. Although Mr. Roxas did not answer individual questions, he did state his purpose in journeying to Washington D.C. was to offer both military support and the placement of military bases on Filipino soil. He called America the "motherland of world democracy" and indicated his country's appreciation for its help in the fight against aggression. (TNT 5-9-46, p. 1) ALBUM 3.
Visits of state--Tacoma; Roxas, Manuel Acuna, 1892-1948; McNutt, Paul V.; Strickland, A.S.; Eating & drinking--Tacoma--1940-1950;