895.50/6–947: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Political Adviser in Korea (Langdon)
115. (Inform Bunce) Subject is first meeting of United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East92 to convene in Shanghai June 16 to plan immediate ECAFE study tasks. Instructions being sent by State Dept to Monnett Davis,93 US rep on Commission, specify inter alia US desire that studies be undertaken which would “be of a kind to assist in the carrying out of US policies vis-à-vis Japan and Korea in relation to other territories in the Far East”. Believe it would be useful in this connection for Commission to study availability in Far East of critical raw materials and foodstuffs needed by Korea to expand her industrial production. Also useful, though perhaps less immediate, would be study of Far Eastern markets for possible Korean exports. Suggest that, if you wish to promote those studies, Hodge might wish to send staff member familiar with the problems and data involved, for brief visit to Shanghai prior to June 16 to advise Monnett Davis. Such a visit would have to be informal and outside of the ECAFE, since terms of reference of ECAFE will have to be revised at July 7 meeting in New York before USAMGIK consultation with ECAFE can take place on official basis. Suggest you contact Davis direct if interested. Request CINCFE pass to CG USAFIK ourad 167 May 9 and urad 126 May 17.94
Sent to Seoul95 repeated to Shanghai as 942.
- For creation of the Commission, see Department of State Bulletin, April 13, 1947, p. 655, and June 22, 1947, p. 1198.↩
- Monnett B. Davis, Consul General at Shanghai with rank of Minister.↩
- Neither printed.↩
- Seoul replied in telegram 152, June 12, that telegram 115 had just arrived, too late to send a representative to the Shanghai meeting, but that a complete study of Korean economic potential by the Bunce Mission was being sent by courier to Mr. Davis (895.50/6–1247).↩