Civil affairs handbook, Philippine Islands, section 1: geographical and social background

This document is an official military manual produced by the United States government during World War II. It was created by the Far Eastern Unit of the U.S. Department of Commerce for the Military Government Division of the Army Service Forces. Published in April 1944, the manual was intended to be used by American civil affairs officers in the Philippines. As the United States prepared for the liberation of the islands from Japanese occupation, this handbook served as a crucial reference, providing basic factual information on the geographical and social landscape of the archipelago. The purpose of this data was to assist military commanders and civil affairs teams in efficiently restoring order, minimizing damage and suffering, and setting up the conditions necessary for local civilian agencies to resume effective function after the fighting concluded. The manual was marked "RESTRICTED," signifying its use as a sensitive planning document for the impending military campaign.

The book is considered valuable. It is advised that researchers use digital copy rather than physical books for preservation purposes. APA Citation: United States. Department of Commerce. Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce. Far Eastern Unit. (1944). Army Service Forces manual M 365-1: Civil affairs handbook, Philippine Islands, section 1: geographical and social background. Headquarters, Army Service Forces.