Records of the Office of the Political Adviser in Japan, Lot 57–F103, 800 Korea: Telegram
Lieutenant General John R. Hodge to General of the Army Douglas MacArthur, at Tokyo
Tfgcg 159. Recent convention in Seoul of Korean People’s Republic failed to comply with my request that they stop the use of Chinese character “republic” in their name which denotes a going government. This political party is the most powerful Communist backed group in [Page 1134] Korea and has some connections with Soviet politics. Includes also considerable number of Leftists, not true Communists; new, it was formed before our arrival here. In the past their use of characters to indicate government in the name of their chief has caused considerable confusion among the people and gained them many followers among the uneducated and laboring classes, and has fostered radical actions in the provinces under the guise of orders from the Korean People’s Republic. I have worked hard on the leaders to remove the name and misunderstandings at the recent convention. Although the consensus of meetings, as reported by my representatives attending, was that they will render full support and aid to US efforts in Korea, I cannot be sure of this support until such time as I can see result from a changed attitude. If future attitude is unchanged based on results, it is believed essential to denounce this party group in their status of terminology as a government and go on record to the people as opposing the party. This will constitute in effect a “declaration of war” upon the Communistic elements in Korea, and may result in temporary disorders. It will also bring charges of political discrimination in a “free” country, both by local pinko and by pinko press. If activities of the Korean People’s Republic continue as in the past, they will greatly delay time when Korea can be said to be ready for independence. Request comment.