Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1942, General; the British Commonwealth; the Far East, Volume I

895.01/197: Telegram

The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State

Chungking, December 9, 1942—4 p.m.
[Received 5:31 p.m.]

1465. Embassy’s 1387, November 24, 3 p.m.³⁹ Tjosowang, so-called Foreign Minister of Korean Provisional Government, informed Embassy officer December 2 that his government proposed shortly formally [to] request recognition of United States, Great Britain but acknowledged certain difficulties existed as regards obtaining recognition from USSR. He indicated that removal of government from Chungking to Washington under consideration due to restrictions now imposed on Korean activities here. Copy of nine conditions allegedly imposed November 1941 on Korean independence movement by Chinese Military Affairs Commission (see Embassy’s despatch 750, November 23 [25]³⁹ obtained confidentially from Korean source December 7 indicative of close Chinese restrictions on organization and direction Korean military units China but do not clearly evidence Chinese desire to dominate post-war Korea although Tjosowang group charges imperialistic intent. Representative of that group has gone to India evidently with purpose of meeting someone there for discussion and forwarding important information to Rhee [in] Washington.

Kim Yak San reputedly formally accepted December 5 post Vice Commander Independence army under authority Provisional Government. Dr. Kimm Kiu-sik, another important Korean revolutionary figure heretofore dissident also said now to be joining government group. Kilsoo Haan expected consequently to be under heavy pressure abandon independent stand.

Despatch follows.⁴⁰

Gauss

39. Not printed.
39. Not printed.
40. No. 787, December 11, not printed; it transmitted a translated copy of “Guide for Activities of Korean Independence Army” (895.01/200).