895.00/8–1747: Telegram
The Political Adviser in Korea (Jacobs) to the Secretary of State
279. Zpol 1034. Reference Deptel 167, August 14.70 Translation of election law airmailed to Dept August 15 with dispatch No. 52 dated August 14.71
Present Assembly declined to adopt Military Governor’s recommendation that age limit be reduced from 23 to 20 and the literacy requirement be eliminated.
General Lerch plans to accept Assembly’s wishes and to sign law after which he will proceed to arrange for holding of elections there-under in South Korea.
It is believed essential here that such action be taken regardless of developments in Joint Commission. The apathy of present Assembly and growing demands for an election among all groups supports this belief.