This 16mm silent film shows the visit to Admiral Arthur W. Radford (1896-1973) to the Philippines and Taiwan in the early to mid 1950s.The most likely date for this Far East trip, based on some research, is December 1953 to January 1954, and was probably intended to reassure the Taiwanese military of America's willingness to support it, in the face of Chinese Communist aggression. It probably predates the 1955 First Taiwan Strait Crisis. In that crisis, Radford urged President Eisenhower to intervene.

Admiral Radford had a lengthy and distinguished career beginning in WWI, and was the architect of aviator training programs in WWII.  He later served as vice chief of Naval Operations, commander of the United States Pacific Fleet and as second chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Radford was a central figure in the post-war debates on U.S. military policy, and was a staunch proponent of naval aviation. As commander of the Pacific Fleet, he defended the Navy's interests in an era of shrinking defense budgets, and was a central figure in the "Revolt of the Admirals," a contentious public fight over policy. As Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, he continued to advocate for aggressive foreign policy and a strong nuclear deterrent in support of the "New Look" policy of President Dwight Eisenhower.

Opening titles: Taiwan - Bright Spot Of The Orient (:08-:12). Dignitaries and military officers shake hands in a crowd at a military base. Admiral Radford walks by, reviewing Taiwanese troops. A motorcade gets ready. Men walk up a hill. U.S. and Taiwanese men look over what might be a mine, or possibly an oil drilling facility. Taiwanese solider stands at the ready as a group of men ride in a small cart across a wire suspended in the air. Taiwanese people pack up. Taiwanese people watch a man wrangle with an animal (:13-2:50). Taiwanese people stand near a Taiwanese solider. American servicemen walk by Taiwanese troops. A sign reads "Welcome Admiral Arthur W. Radford."  Radford walks by the soldiers of Taiwan. Going across a river in Taiwan. Radford shakes hands with the locals. Taiwanese women perform a traditional dance, possibly the Lion Dance.  (2:51-5:26). Radford looks over an ancient weapon near two Taiwanese men. A welcoming sign for Admiral Radford at another military base. Taiwanese military training. Hand to hand combat techniques. Taiwanese troops. A military drill for the Taiwanese soldiers. Troops on horseback. Troops practice military rifle drills. Troops lift logs as part of a drill (5:27-7:24). The troops swing a large log around, then perform more drills with the log. Troops wave flags as part of a drill. Troops climb a rope. Mountainous valley in Taiwan. Explosions in the distance (7:25-8:54). Admiral Radford approaches an elephant. A Taiwanese play takes place. People wear costumes. Men play instruments. Other people in costume move around the stage (8:55-10:52). Actors continue to perform in the play. Radford in front of American troops. Taiwanese General talks with other men. A boat on a river. Admiral Radford walks by troops (10:53-12:01). Title: The Philippines. Navy Martin Mariner flying boat / seaplane on the water. Navy officers approach the plane via boat. Clouds in the sky go by. Riding on a boat on a river. Radford naps on the boat while his Admiral's flag flies overhead. Approaching shore on the boat. Admiral Radford and his wife swim in the water. People swim near a raft. People row a small raft. Women talk on a boat and have a laugh (12:02-14:07). People sit on a riverboat, talk and relax. Old buildings in the Philippines, including a church that lies in ruins -- probably a victim of the WWII burning of Manila. At 14:37 the old Legislative Building is shown. Boat in the harbor. Admiral Radford at the Manila airport, gets ready to leave with his guests, including his wife. He waves. (14:08-15:16). No end credits.

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com

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