740.00119 Control (Korea)/7–447: Telegram
The Political Adviser in Korea (Jacobs) to the Secretary of State
181. Zurc 859. Thirty-eighth meeting of Joint Commission held 1330, 3 July, at Pyongyang. Discussion of 37th meeting on final list of organizations to be invited for consultation was continued. In discussion General Brown made a comprehensive statement of the US position on board [broad] consultation and freedom of expression. Statement included pertinent extracts from the Hodge–Chistiakov and Marshall–Molotov correspondence, and concluded that all parties and social organizations who sign the declaration in communiqué 5 are eligible for consultation; furthermore, their eligibility cannot subsequently be compromised except by proof of an overt act of fomenting or instigating active opposition against the Moscow decision or one of the Allied Powers. The Soviet delegation requested time to study the text of General Brown’s statement and recommended it be further discussed at the next meeting. General Brown then pointed out that it is well known that the political alignment in Korea is divided between right and left in about 3 to 2 ratio, and that the Soviet proposals generally have the effect of eliminating the right.17 General Brown added that he did not contend that such an effect was intended by the Soviets; however, it would be contrary to the intent of the Moscow decision and would make impossible the task of the Joint Commission which must consult with representatives of all shades of opinion. [Page 689] Soviet replied that its yardstick was not the rightist or leftist complexion of the parties, but that they were only trying to guard the Moscow decision.
Soviet avoided answering query as to whether they thought the Moscow decision limited freedom of expression. US delegation then stated that it was the US position that Korea should have the type of democracy the Korean people want and not necessarily either the US or Soviet type. Soviet were requested that if they desired to restrict consultation to state their position without equivocation. Soviet agreed that the Moscow decision did not predetermine the type of government but did state it should be “democratic”, that is, “peoples”. They denied equivocation. In order to avoid delay of consultation scheduled for July 7, the US delegation then proposed that all applicant organizations of over 10,000 members be approved for consultation, and decision on those of lesser membership be made later. Soviet seemed on verge of accepting this offer, but demanded that groups who are members of the Anti-Trusteeship Committee be warned they would have to repudiate any affiliation with that organization. US would not agree to such a provision and meeting adjourned. Throughout meeting Soviet pressed for initiation of consultation with organizations not under suspicion. US would not agree as 15 rightist groups including the more important organizations would have been eliminated. Throughout all the meeting there was a marked absence of politics considering the nature of the discussion.
The farewell at the station in Pyongyang at 1900, 3 July, seemed genuinely cordial. General Shtikov stated that sufficient time did not exist while the Americans were in Pyongyang to reach an agreement. He informed General Brown that the Soviet delegation would arrive in Seoul at 0800, 7 July and agreed to a meeting on the afternoon of 7 July, exact time to be set later by him as chairman. Consultation will be delayed from its scheduled starting date of 7 July. Effort to agree on joint communiqué failed. General Brown will issue a statement to the press which will mention lack of agreement but not emphasize it. Text will be transmitted in clear.18
It is believed that there is a fair chance for workable agreement on this matter.
American delegation arrived in Seoul early morning July 4.
- In telegram 193, July 9, from Seoul, Mr. Jacobs reported details in regard to answers received to questionnaires and concluded: “As all parties and organizations in the north are leftists, the breakdown by parties for all Korea is: 64% right or moderate; 31% left or moderate left; 5% unknown. Based on claimed membership, the breakdown for all Korea is as follows: 51% right or moderate; 48% left or moderate left; and 1% unknown.” (740.00119 Control (Korea)/7–947)↩
- General Brawn’s statement was issued to the press on July 4 and is quoted in telegram 182, July 4, from Seoul, not printed. It reported the American delegation’s visit to Pyongyang and noted Soviet courtesies there. (740.00119 Control (Korea)/7–447)↩