740.00119 Control (Korea)/6–2846: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Smith)
1275. Views urtel 203125 appreciated. For your info interim directive on Korea now under consideration by SWNCC. Interim directive contains in substance following:
In accordance with Moscow Agreement, US envisages following steps in Korean political development: (1) present period of zonal administration [Page 712] by US and USSR; (2) establishment of Provisional Korean Govt to assist US–Soviet Joint Commission in preparing Korea for self-government; (3) creation some form trusteeship for Korea under US, UK, China and USSR for period of up to 5 years, unless there is general agreement among four powers that conditions make this unnecessary; (4) complete independence Korea at earliest possible date, with subsequent membership in United Nations.
Basic objectives of US with regard Korea as a whole are: (1) establish independent and sovereign Korea, free from all foreign domination and eligible membership in United Nations; (2) insure national Govt so established shall be democratic Govt fully representative freely expressed will Korean People; (3) assist Koreans in establishing sound economy and adequate educational system necessary for independent, democratic state.
US occupation of southern Korea is for purpose facilitating attainment basic US objectives for all Korea and shall continue as long as it contributes to this end.
To prepare Koreans for self-government, US proposes utilize qualified Koreans in as many posts responsibility possible and use popular electoral processes for selection Koreans to occupy key posts in local and provincial administration of US zone and establish through broad electoral processes advisory legislative body to formulate and present to Commanding General draft laws to be used as basis for political, economic and social reforms in southern zone pending establishment of Provisional Korean Govt.
When negotiations of Joint Commission are resumed, it is proposed US representatives suggest nation-wide elections be held in order select representative democratic Korean leaders or key members of a nationwide Provisional Korean Govt.
Basic cultural objectives US are (1) assist Koreans in freeing their cultural institutions, particularly education, from Japanese nationalistic influence, and in revitalizing educational system; (2) assist Koreans in preparing for participation in international cultural organizations.
Basic economic objectives of US are (a) establish strong independent Korean economy free from domination by Japan or any foreign power as necessary foundation for political independence; (b) assist Koreans in developing economy which will provide them with as high standard living and as great economic security as their resources and technological development will permit; (c) assist Koreans in initiating broad program of domestic economic reforms to encourage stable democratic institutions.
[Page 713]US proposes to accomplish these objectives insofar as possible by encouraging: (a) maximum local production and equitable distribution of needed goods; (b) Korean participation in world trade particularly with view to stimulating exports and procuring essential imports; (c) additional essential imports financed by US only to extent such imports cannot be financed by Korean resources; (d) in US zone encouraging Korean initiative and participation in economic activities.
- June 28, not printed.↩