740.00119 Control (Korea)/2–2846: Telegram
Lieutenant General John R. Hodge to the Secretary of State
priority
[Received February 28—6:41 a.m.]
From CG USAFIK to SCAP No. Tfgcg 307 signed Hodge to War for action. Three weeks have elapsed since agreements were signed with Soviets but no word of approval or disapproval has been received from General Chistiakov. In meantime reports from north indicate that Soviets are making preparations to implement agreement concerning mails. I am today sending letter to Chistiakov referring to such reports and inquiring as to his intentions regarding all agreements, the Joint Commission should meet by middle of next week. The Russians propose to open meeting before giving any indication of intention regarding agreements reached by previous conference, I shall, without refusing to have the Joint Commission convene, assume the attitude that we should at least know the Soviet intention regarding the former conference before it is possible to discuss matters of substance.
I feel that this is important in view of the extreme desirability of doing as much to open up the country as possible and removing the “blackout” north of 38. When opportunity offers, I shall let it be known through press conference or otherwise that I have approved the agreements but the Russians have not in turn notified me of their approval. Benninghoff concurs.