740.00119 Control (Korea)/8–547: Telegram
Lieutenant General John R. Hodge to the Secretary of State
262. Zurc 992. 51st meeting of Joint Commission held 5th August for 4 hours, General Shtikov chairman. Soviet delegation in response to letter from organizations presented in 49th meeting proposed to call in signatory organizations for questioning. Soviet delegation stated purpose of questions to clarify organization attitude toward Moscow decision and its relation to Anti-Trusteeship Committee. Soviet delegation however would not inform on specific questions to be asked. US delegation rejected Soviet proposal on basis that these signatory organizations had clearly and unmistakably made themselves eligible for consultation under joint agreements and that their recent letter was in fact unnecessary. However, the letter had specifically reaffirmed their intention to support and cooperate with the Joint Commission. US delegation stated that it had no objection to questioning of organizations on such matters but it should be done at the time they appear for consultation.
Soviet delegation declined this and then read prepared proposal in substance as follows: First, begin working out proposals on the charter, platform, personnel and composition of the provisional government; second; to entrust chiefs of the 2 delegations and Subcommission number 1 with task of working out list for consultation.
Soviet delegation continues attacking American delegation by making polemic accusations that it causes delays and violates Marshall–Molotov agreement and joint decisions. Refutation of these accusations only serves to intensify Soviet attack. Next meeting Thursday, August 7th.