740.00119 Control (Korea)/11–1345
Memorandum by the Director of the Office of Far Eastern Affairs ( Vincent ) to the Under Secretary of State ( Acheson )
With reference to the attached communication from Mr. McCloy,41 I do not think that there is any serious difference of opinion between the State and War Departments in regard to the instruction, if any, which should be sent to General Hodge. We were primarily concerned on two points: (a), we wanted to be sure that General Hodge was officially informed that a trusteeship for Korea is the official policy of this Government; and (b), we wanted to convey to him the necessity of impressing on the officials of the “Provisional Government” the fact that they were being used because of their individual qualifications rather than because of their connection with the “Provisional Government”. We felt that if this took place the success of the trusteeship would be seriously jeopardized.
[Page 1128]Since my memorandum of November 7th was drafted, it appears that General Hodge has been informed of this Government’s position regarding trusteeship, and it seems to me that it would be a fairly simple matter to work out with Mr. McCloy a message to General Hodge which would not tie his hands in the use of Koreans, but would at the same time warn him against giving them too much authority.
You will note that Mr. McCloy suggests that he hold a conversation with officers of the State Department on the Korean situation. Mr. Benninghoff is here. He knows the situation, knows General Hodge, and knows our point of view. I suggest that you call Mr. McCloy and tell him that we will be glad to talk with him, but that Mr. Benninghoff could go over to the War Department and give him a full explanation.