243. Letter From President Eisenhower to President Rhee1

Dear Mr. President: Thank you for your letter of August 2, 1957,2 commenting further on the question of the level of Republic of Korea ground forces. As you know, I have always welcomed the frank exchange of views between us.

My letter of July 193 outlined the position we have taken with respect to the necessity for bringing about a reduction in Republic of Korea ground forces. This matter was given careful and thoughtful consideration by our Government and all factors were taken into account. The plan which resulted, and which Ambassador Dowling and General Decker have been discussing with you and representatives of your Government, was developed by the Secretaries of State and Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. It has my full support and will, in our opinion, enhance rather than weaken the future security of the Republic of Korea against renewal of Communist aggression.

I sincerely trust that Ambassador Dowling and General Decker, acting within my instructions will shortly succeed in working out with you and your military advisers an orderly and planned reduction in Republic of Korea ground forces. This will enable the remaining forces to take advantage of certain new equipment available within the fiscal year 1958 Military Assistance Program. I would be less than candid if I did not state to you frankly that it will be impossible, because of United States budgetary considerations, to maintain the Korean aid program at present levels. Accordingly, failure to reduce the level of Republic of Korea ground forces at this time would not only result in a serious weakening of their defensive capabilities because of equipment deficiencies, but would also throw an increasingly heavy burden on the Korean economy with attendant inflationary pressures.

With regard to the two specific questions you raise as to the nature and extent of modernization of the Republic of Korea and United States forces, Ambassador Dowling and General Decker are being instructed to discuss this in more detail with you.

May I take this opportunity to reaffirm United States interest in and support of the Republic of Korea, its military security, economic development and eventual peaceful reunification.

[Page 504]

With my sincere personal good wishes, Sincerely,

Dwight D. Eisenhower4
  1. Source: Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, International File. Confidential; Priority; Presidential Handling. Transmitted in telegram 183 to Seoul, August 24, which is the source text. Telegram 183 was drafted in S/S and cleared by the President.
  2. Document 238.
  3. Document 231.
  4. Telegram 183 bears this typed signature.