Memo to Guerrilla Groups on the Imminent Landing of Allied Forces in Luzon

EXHIBIT “N-6”

UNITED STATES PHILIPPINE ISLANDS FORCES
THE HUNTERS OR ROTC GUERRILLAS
GENERAL HEADQUARTERS

The United States Forces of Liberation have landed in Mindoro and are now conducting mopping up operations in that Island. Allied landings in Luzon are imminent. In order that there may be coordinated action by all loyal guerrilla organizations in Luzon, Liaison Officers from the Headquarters of General MacArthur have been dispatched to the Island ahead of the invasion forces. Major Jay D. Vanderpool, General Staff Corps, U.S.A., who has been assigned to coordinate guerrilla efforts in Manila, Cavite, Western Laguna and Batangas, has relayed to this Headquarters certain information, instructions and orders from GHQ, SWPA, and has requested this Headquarters to relay all information, instructions and standing orders from GHQ, SWPA, to all other guerrilla units desiring to cooperate with the invasion forces before, during and after the invasion of Luzon. They are hereby published for the information and guidance of all loyal guerrilla organizations:

1. All guerrilla units are enjoined to effect a complete lie-low policy and stop or prevent fighting with the Jap forces until orders to this effect are given. This is so because it is not contemplated that guerrilla forces engage any large organized enemy force. Rather, it is considered that American forces, with their large number of the latest artillery, mortars, tanks, and rockets, with naval and air support, can destroy the enemy core economically. Guerrillas can best serve the cause by waiting until the powerful American forces have struck and defeated the enemies’ main bodies. At this time, the enemy will probably try to escape to the hills or to disguise themselves as civilians. The guerrilla forces will then be able to strike with full force. If the enemy remains on the plains, they will be completely destroyed by the United States Forces. The United States Navy and Air Corps will prevent escape by these routes. The Commanding General is depending upon guerrilla forces to destroy the enemy if they escape to the hills.

2. Meanwhile, all guerrilla organizations are requested to conduct combat intelligence work. The invading forces are interested in tactical information concerning the enemy situation; where the Japs are; what their strength is; number and kinds of arms they have; ground defenses; exact names of their commanding officers; routes of supply, etc. These information should immediately be relayed to Major Vanderpool. The date when the invasion forces of the United States will land on Luzon will largely depend on the information obtained by GHQ, SWPA regarding the enemy situation in Luzon.

3. All guerrilla units are enjoined to report, at least twice a month, the names of all spies, collaborators and other traitors to the cause, as well as those who refuse to cooperate with recognized guerrilla organizations in their missions, explaining in detail why there are believed to be so, for investigation by the counter-intelligence agents of the United States Forces. Major Vanderpool requests these reports to be sent to him thru this Headquarters.

4. GHQ, SWPA has instructions to Major Vanderpool to take care of all pilots bailing out in Manila, Cavite, Batangas and Western Laguna, and Major Vanderpool requests all guerrilla units to take these pilots to the General Headquarters of the Hunters or ROTC Guerrillas.

5. It is desired by GHQ, SWPA that guerrilla units encourage their troops and civilians to spend Jap currency for goods of a permanent value, if such goods can be obtained. Japanese currency will probably be valueless after the invasion.

6. GHQ, SWPA requests that demolition of major proportions be avoided, particularly on roads and bridges, unless otherwise so ordered.

7. It is desired by GHQ, SWPA that every effort, insofar as reasonable security will permit, be made to keep the enemy from securing or commandeering bicycles, horses, carretelas and other means of transportation. It is further desired that all guerrilla commanders report the number and condition of bicycles, horses, carretelas and other means of transportation now in the hands of the enemy within their respective areas. When necessary to keep the foregoing vehicles from falling into the hands of the enemy, GHQ, SWPA authorized the purchase of destruction of these vehicles.

8. Right now, it cannot be determined exactly which are the areas where landing operations will take place, because the enemy situations changes every now and then. But GHQ, SWPA requests that right now, all civilians, if possible, quietly evacuate places where there are Jap positions, establishments or installations, such as airfields, supply depots, barracks, garrisons, etc.

9. It is also desired by GHQ, SWPA that guerrilla units prescribe areas which they would want to use as evacuation or hospital areas for civilians and guerrilla troops. The United States Air Forces will then be duly instructed not to bomb these places.

10. Previously, the United States Forces had to utilize fully equipped and trained American soldiers for the hauling of munitions and supplies for the Army, as well as food, clothing and medical supplies for the civilians, in view of the lack of civilian manpower. It is expected, however, that this will not happen in Luzon, where the civilians are loyal. Upon the landing of the American forces in Luzon, therefore, all available manpower, both men and woman, will be needed for hauling purposes; and all Guerrilla Commanders are requested by Major Vanderpool to census the number of men and women available for this purpose, in their respective areas of operation and as soon as possible report to him accordingly, thru this Headquarters.

11. All recognized guerrilla units will be inducted into the USAFFE and shall be considered part of the Allied Forces on D-Day, effective on the date they joined the recognized guerrilla organizations on full time duty.

12. However, not all guerrilla ranks will be considered favorably by the United States Forces. Some ranks will have to be reduced, while some officers might yet be promoted. Everything will depend on several circumstances, including educational background, military training and experience, the duties performed by each, size of the command, etc. As usual, the non-commissioned officers and enlisted men will be given the “breaks.” The will be inducted into the USAFFE as they are, on D-Day, effective on the date they joined the guerrilla organizations on full time duty.

13. It is desired by GHQ, SWPA that records of all recognized guerrilla organizations, including the officers and enlisted men in active or inactive duty, be made up-to-date. According to Major Vanderpool, these records should be ready by now, otherwise it will take months and months after D-Day before the officers and members could be inducted into the USAFFE.

14. All guerrilla commanders are enjoined by Major Vanderpool to maintain communication and liaison with him, thru this Headquarters, as soon as possible, in order that orders from GHQ, SWPA may be relayed to them without delay.