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.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS SECTION 239

According to statistical data, which I have at hand, and
which I shall not cite in order not to tire you, our exports
to the neighboring countries have considerably decreased in
the last nine years. On the other hand, our importation and
exportation with the United States, the best market in the
world, increase greatly, year in and year out, as a natural
consequences of the actual political and commercial relation
with our metropolis. This shows that our economic dependence, from a fountain magnificent and abundant of supplies
situated 7,000 miles away from our shores, is being strengthened more and more.
Well, I do not wish to think now, having in view the
cited facts, that one of the possible risks against which we
wish to protect ourselves is to be manifested in a conflagration in the Pacific and have for its result what has been revealed
as one of the plans of the staff of American Army in the
tariff-hearings, that is: the closing of the commercial route
between the United States and the Philippines. I do not want
to think of it. But the prudent and alert people should
prepare themselves, as I have already said, for the surprise
which the future may have in store for us while we are not
yet free and independent. The real fact is that the thinking
heads with its foreseeing and practical instinct have thought
of that contingency and have prepared for it. I think that
we Filipinos can do the same. And if, at any time, occurs
what does not depend on our will, where are we going to
send our products in those critical moments, and which should
be the natural fountains of provision from which we have to
depend to satisfy the most common necessities of our actual
civilized life? The answer comes spontaneously from our
lips. Those natural fountains should be Australia, which
provides us with cattle, carbon, flour and other alimentary
products; Java, which sells us crude petroleum, gasoline, iron,
steel, dyes, oil, etc.; Siam and Indo-China, which send us
rice, carabao for our farms, and fertilizers; Japan, which sells
us cotton cloths, ready-made garments, silks of all kinds,
effects of crystal, sporting goods, toys, chemical-products; and