895.01/10–1545: Telegram
The Acting Political Adviser in Japan (Atcheson) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 17—5:35 p.m.]
46. 1. Syngman Rhee reportedly visited Tokyo October 13 unaccompanied en route to Korea.
2. For some time I have delayed recommending that Dept seriously consider whether situation in Korea is not such that we should commence to use some progressive, popular and respected leader, or small group, to act as a nucleus of an organization which in cooperation with and under the direction of our military government could develop into an executive and administrative governmental agency. Such nuclear organization would not need to be called “The Korean Provisional Government”, but might be given some title as “National Korean Peoples Executive Committee”, and the Advisory Council which General Hodge has set up could either act as advisers to such committee or, if circumstances should so dictate, might in due course be integrated into the Committee. From what has been reported as to the respect with which Syngman Rhee is held by the Korean people in our zone, such [Page 1092] committee might at least in initial stage be formed around him, Kim Koo and Kim Kiu [Kimm Kiusic].
3. I believe the time has come when positive American action, in the political field in Korea, should be taken. I realize that to give open official approval or support to any one leader, group or combination, is contrary to past American thinking. But situation in Korea fully warrants such a step and there is reason to believe that unless positive action is taken to give the Koreans a start in governmental participation and organization, our difficulties will increase rather than diminish, and the Communistic group set up and encouraged by the Soviets in northern Korea will manage to extend its influence into southern Korea with results which can readily be envisaged. If there should develop widespread economic distress in our zone in Korea, the Russians will have a fertile field to work in.
4. General Hodge asked to see me October 13 and after talking with him I do not think he would be opposed to this point of view. As regards any question of democratic principles which might be involved in our lending support to one particular Korean group, the suggested Committee could be set up as adjunct to our military Govt under public announcement that after fair trial of its efficacy and usefulness, the Korean people would be given opportunity to pass judgment on it in the same manner that all agencies of government are subject to the people’s approval in democratic countries.1
- In telegram 47, October 22, 5 p.m., to the Acting Political Adviser in Japan, the Department stated: “Contents of your 46 October 15 will be carefully considered with Benninghoff and Department’s views forwarded as soon after his arrival as possible.” (895.01/10–1545) No further reply to telegram 46 found in Department files.↩