740.00119 Control (Korea)/9–1646: Telegram
The Political Adviser in Korea (Langdon) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 16—2:48 a.m.]
Tfpol 38 [to Tokyo]. PolAd 11. As of interest to the Department in connection with the progressive implementation of United States policies with respect to the administration of Southern Korea, there is quoted below the full text of a self-explanatory message delivered by General Lerch, the Military Governor, to the American and Korean Co-Directors for the several Departments of Military Government concerning the transfer of primary Governmental functions to the Korean Directors and reduction to advisory status of their American counterparts.54
“In March of this year I brought to your attention by written memorandum my desire that as soon as practicable you turn over to the Korean members of your staffs the functions of your office. I specifically stated that at least 10 per cent of the American personnel be withdrawn each month. I directed that American personnel be replaced with Korean Affairs personnel. The Koreans have made remarkable progress in learning how to handle Korean affairs. Long ago I stated publicly both in Korea and in the U.S. that the Koreans were ready for self-government.
“The time has come when Korean Directors must take full charge of their respective Departments and the Americans must function only in advisory capacities. Of course, until the terms of the Moscow Agreement are carried out, the Commanding General of the American Forces in Korea, representing the President of the U.S., must remain supreme and Military Government will remain. But Military Government will henceforth be exercised as far as is practicable by the Koreans themselves. It is my desire, therefore, that the Korean Directors who are listening to me today, return to their offices and take charge of the front office in each Department.
[Page 740]“I desire that so far as is practicable Americans be withdrawn from active participation in the Government and where convenient be assembled together in each Department where they will serve as advisors and not as operators.
[Here follows advice on the conduct of government business, relating to currency, police, agriculture, labor, civil service, commerce, public health, education, justice, national defense, and handling of food administration.]
“We shall continue to help you. We want you to do the job.
“Although the people of the provinces are not here to listen to these instructions, I am asking them, too, to give full effort to the carrying out of the new policy. Koreans and Americans must work together to develop a free, independent, and united Korea.
“By reason of the nature of their work the officers of the Material Control Corporation, the Property Custodian and Civilian Supply Program will continue to operate under the American Military Authorities, with Korean assistance.”
- In telegram 128, September 23, 6 p.m., to Seoul, the Department expressed its appreciation of the importance of the step taken in implementation of Korean policy set forth in Seoul’s telegram and added: “Reports of progress Koreans make in this test of their ability to manage own affairs will be welcomed in assessing validity present policy and future course to be followed.” (740.00119-Control (Korea)/9–2346)↩