Proceedings of the first Independence congress : held in the city of Manila, Philippine islands, February 22-26, 1930 / Published under the direction of Dean maximo M. Kalaw, executive secretary, University of the Philippines.

210 INDEPENDENCE CONGRESS PROCEEDINGS

What concerns us now is the union of conditions and circumstances under which a new country that affirms and establishes itself by means of its own vitality and its own
endeavor could be-recognized by the other powers and admitted
to the Concert of the Free and Independent Nations. The
recognition of the independence of a country by the others is
of great importance, because the recognition is equivalent to
the confirmation of the independence and the granting to the
recognized country of the fulness of rights and obligations.
In the first place before a country may be recognized and *
admitted by the others in their group, it is absolutely necessary
that it should have a de facto independent existence with its
own territory, and that its inhabitants should have a civilization
and culture equal or similar to those of the other powers that
have already formed part in the Great Family of Sovereign
Nations, relying at the same time on the true solidarity of its
political constitution represented by a stable government, proper
and responsible.
The superficial extension of the territory and the number of
its inhabitants are questions of secondary importance. A nation or small country as the Republic of Cuba or that of Panama might be as free, sovereign, and independent as the Great
British Empire.
With respect to civilization and culture which the said
country should have, it is desired that they be equal or similar
to those existing in the most cultured and civilized nations.
But before and above all there should exist a true stability
in the political constitution of the new country which should
have its own government free from foreign influence and inter-
ference, of permanent character, lasting and responsible in order
to be able to win the good will, sympathy, help, and con-
fidence of the other powers, that its rights and interests as well
as those of its subjects and citizens shall always be protected
and defended as if they were in their own respective countries.
Naturally all this implies, urges, and presupposes wisdom,
good faith, prudence, and uprightness on the part of the country
and of the notables and leaders.