895.00/3–1347
Dr. Syngman Rhee to President Truman 39
Sir: Permit me to congratulate you on your historic message to Congress yesterday.40 You have given a new hope to the liberty-loving people all over the world.
In taking this courageous stand against communism, please instruct the American military authorities in Korea to follow your policy and abandon their efforts to bring about coalition and cooperation between nationalists and communists.
Korea is located in a strategic situation similar to that of Greece and the Korean patriots are greatly encouraged in their fight for freedom by your inspiring message.
The immediate establishment of an interim independent government in the American zone will set up a bulwark against advancing communism and bring the unification of North and South Korea.41
Respectfully,
- Copy transmitted to the Department by the White House on March 14. A notation by the Assistant Chief of the Division of Japanese Affairs (Allison) on March 28 read: “It is recommended that this letter remain unanswered. JMA”.↩
- Department of State Bulletin, March 23, 1947, p. 534.↩
- On March 27 Dr. Rhee wrote President Truman again to submit a message from Kim Koo, “Chairman, Anti-Trusteeship Committee for National Independence.” This was likewise referred to the Department’s attention. (895.01/3–2747)↩