Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, The Geneva Conference, Volume XVI

396.1 GE/5–1554: Telegram

The United States Delegation to the Embassy in Korea

confidential
priority

Geneva, May 15, 1954—8 p.m.

82. Repeated information Department Secto 222, Tokyo 64. Tokyo pass CINCUNC.

1. Robertson and Young had long discussion with Pyun and Republic of Korea delegation Saturday afternoon¹ regarding draft basic proposal (Secto 200²). Pyun gave us 14–point draft proposal for establishment United Independent Democratic Korea drafted by Republic of Korean delegation. Republic of Korean draft much more detailed than envisaged by meeting of 16 on May 13 and committee of nine May 14. Points one to nine contained in points one to four, Secto 200.

2. Question at issue is withdrawal foreign forces. Republic of Korean draft proposed Chinese Communist troops complete withdrawal one month in advance election date, phased withdrawal United Nations forces start before election, but not finish before effective control over entire Korea achieved by Unified Government of Korea, certified by United Nations.

3. Robertson told Pyun and Republic of Korean delegation essential United States and Republic of Korea, in accordance with understanding reached in committee of nine, be ready next few days if possible with common United States-Republic of Korean draft proposal general principles. Pointed out paragraphs on withdrawal would prevent agreement among 16. Told Republic of Korean delegation we would study their draft. UNCURK problem not mentioned by Republic of Koreans, nor United States during conversation.

4. Informed Republic of Korean delegation substance Seoul’s 83 to Geneva, repeated information Department 1182,³ Tokyo 700. Robertson again stressed urgent desirability agreement among 16 on common principles, along lines Secto 216, sent Seoul 80.⁴

Smith

1. May 15.
2. Same as telegram 74, May 13, p. 264.
3. Supra.
4. Dated May 15, p. 271.