E. PARO TO GENERAL IN CHIEF, NOVEMBER 22, 1900

Exhibit 1305.

[Extract from original in Spanish. D.S. P.I.R., 1073.8.]

NATIONAL FILIPINO ARMY,
GENERAL STAFF,
Iloilo November 22, 1900.

To the GENERAL IN CHIEF.

My DEAR GENERAL: I have been obliged to hold my letter for Hong Kong, awaiting the documents which I sent to those Headquarters on the 17th instant, which consists of the "note of the campaign" and "memorandum of the abuses. etc." committed by the imperialists against persons and property which with the intention of being included in the letter in answer, I sent to you for approval.

I received your letter of the 16th in which you request that I ask all the chiefs of guerrillas and Military delegates, datos ,and officers, to make reports of the abuses, and insults, rapes and arson committed by the Yankee soldiers against the persons of the peaceful residents; I am this day preparing a circular with this end in view, thus adding to the "memorial" which I mentioned above with reliable documents in support thereof.

I wish to call your attention, not as a report, but as a simple observation, to the numerous complaints which I have received in these Headquarters of the abuses committed by those who call themselves Commissioners of your Headquarters; abuses which detract greatly from the military honor and the sanctity of the cause, I would be glad if hereafter the Commissions, instead of being conferred upon persons "non sanctas", be given to the Army which is maintaining order and tranquility and in which the people have full confidence; this is my opinion, and I believe that you will agree with me. Why should this trust not be reposed in the Army, when it is composed of honest men whose conduct and habits are known to all? In place of citing further proof, I enclose herewith the letter of Dr. Mondejar for your information.

I earnestly request that you give this matter special attention and study; it is a case in which no one is more responsible than the army, and we must look to the day when the sovereign people will call on us to account for all of our acts.

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Yours, etc.

(Signed) E. PARO.