291. Memorandum From the Director of Intelligence and Research (Hilsman) to Secretary of State Rusk 0

INTELLIGENCE NOTE

  • Pak Proposes Solution of the South Korean Political Crisis

Pak’s Offer to Withdraw. Chairman Pak Chong-hui today publicly proposed a compromise settlement. His crucial points were: in return for assurances of no retaliation against members of the junta and revolutionary government officials he would abstain from political activity; politicians still restricted under the Political Purification Law would, with some exceptions, be cleared; and the election would be postponed until after May. He gave all party leaders until February 23 to accept or reject the plan.1

Expected Party and Junta Reactions. The political leaders will be inclined to accept Pak’s terms. They realize that the government-sponsored party will have little appeal if Pak does not run as its presidential candidate. Furthermore, postponing the elections would give the opposition parties a real opportunity to organize. Most members of the [Page 627] junta can probably accept the settlement proposed by Pak, but Kim Chong-p’il and his group might be justifiably fearful of their fate despite the non-retaliation proviso. Their reaction remains an unknown but probably unsettling factor.

Intensified Maneuverings. Pak may be merely attempting to gain a temporary respite or to provoke a reaction which would rationalize a thinly disguised continuation of the present military role. More probably he is really seeking a solution. During the next few days feverish negotiations among Pak, the junta factions, and the political leaders can be expected. Discussions will center on the commitment against retaliation and on the extent of the political clearance offered by Pak.

  1. Source: Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Countries Series, Korea, Cables, 2/63. Confidential.
  2. As reported in telegram 577 from Seoul, February 18. (Department of State, Central Files, POL 12 S KOR) See Document 292.