TLS, one page, 7 x 8.75, The White House, Washington letterhead, December 27, 1937. A letter to Harry B. Hawes, former Missouri senator, who was joint author of the Hawes-Cutting Act, which would have granted independence to the Philippines in 1945. The Philippine Senate and President Roosevelt supported the Tydings-McDuffie Act, which achieved independence for the Philippines in 1946. In part: “Thank you for your letter advising me of the observations made by you in the course of your recent visit to the Philippine Islands. The problem is now under consideration…in view of your long experience and association with Philippine questions, this expression of your views will be of especial interest when the problem comes up for decision.” In fine condition, with faint edge toning, staple holes to upper left, bit of trivial soiling. Through the 1930s, tenant movements in Central Luzon became better organized. In 1938 the Socialist Party joined the Communist Party of the Philippines, which was prominent in supporting better contracts and working conditions. As the depression wore on and prices for cash crops collapsed, tenant strikes and violent confrontations with landlords, their overseers, and the Philippine Constabulary escalated. R&R COA.
