Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, The Far East, Volume VIII

702.6195/5–1046: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Caffery)

secret

Washington, May 10, 1946—1 p.m.

2240. For the Secretary. Apr 27 Gen Hodge called in USSR ConGen Seoul asked him cease consular functions pending regularization his position by Sov Govt with US Govt, pointing out that no other power even US maintains consulate Seoul and US has no consulate north Korea. Sov ConGen replied he could not cease consular functions without authority Moscow. May 6 Sov ConGen wrote Hodge that his position and matter of reciprocal establishment US consulate north Korea must be settled through diplomatic channels by two Govts hence any action Hodge might take toward depriving Sov Consulate of opportunity normally continuing its work or depriving workers of food gasoline etcetera would be considered unfriendly act by US military authorities toward Sov Govt rep.

May 9 Dept instructed Emb Moscow⁹² notify FonOff we desire open US consulate Pyonyang (Heijo) north Korea and anxious obtain clearance Sov Govt, requesting reply ten days two weeks. Emb to point out irregularity Seoul Sov consulate’s position and fact we actively considering question whether there shall be continuation Sov consular representation Seoul. Not for transmission Sov we informed Emb if no favorable reply within fortnight we will request Sov discontinue consular activities Seoul.⁹³

Texts principal telegrams being air pouched.

Acheson

92. Telegram 869, 6 p.m., not printed.
93. In telegram 1519, May 14, 3 p.m., from Moscow, Ambassador Walter Bedell Smith reported that he had sent an urgent letter to the Soviet Foreign Office in which he had set May 24 as the date to inform his Government of the Soviet reply (125.0095/5–1446).