The copy intended for you is neither to be divulged nor published, for strict reserve is required until those which are being sent arrive at their destination." [51] The reason for preserving such secrecy relative to this document until it could reach its destination and work its harm is of course obvious.

Its statements were so outrageously false that they would have been instantly and authoritatively contradicted had it been issued seasonably at Manila.
The truth is that Aguinaldo's claim that he had been promised independence was a gradual growth.

Let us trace it.
On May 21, he wrote a circular letter to "My dear brother," inviting the recipients and their companions to meet him at once, and arrange the best way to entrap all the enemy in their homes.
In this he says that he has promised the American admiral that they will "carry on modern war" and adds: "Even if a Spaniard surrenders, he must be pardoned and treated well, and then you will see that our reputation will be very good in all Europe, which will declare for our independence; but if we do not conduct ourselves thus, the Americans will decide to sell us or else divide up our territory.

As they will hold us incapable of governing our land, we shall not secure our liberty, rather the contrary; our own soil will be delivered over to other hands." [52] In this letter, written on the very day of the interview at which he subsequently claimed that Admiral Dewey had promised independence, does he make any claim that this had occurred?
No, he very distinctly implies the contrary.

Is it believable that if he could truly have said "The United States, through its representatives Dewey and Pratt, has promised to recognize our independence" he would have failed to do so when this would instantly have secured him the vigorous support which he was then uncertain of obtaining?
I think not.
In this letter Aguinaldo specifically directs that deceit be employed and that Spanish officers be treacherously attacked.