740.00119 Control (Korea)/5–1846: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Smith) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 18—4:42 a.m.]
1564. Embassy’s 1546, May 16.97 Blast appearing in May 15 Izvestiya should dispose of question of Moscow reaction to withdrawal of Soviet delegation from Joint Commission talks (Tfurc–4597). Delegation action obviously now has, as it almost certainly did prior to its departure, Kremlin backing.
We agree with Thayer’s recommendation that trusteeship issue be soft-pedalled. Fundamental issue—establishment of truly representative provisional govt—is firmer ground for facing up to USSR especially as it would apparently rally maximum Korean cooperation. In assuming this position we shall of course be confronted with persistent Soviet drive along general lines summarized in Embassy’s 237, Jan 25.
Will Dept please repeat this message to Seoul and Tokyo PolAds.