740.00119 Control (Korea)/8–1947: Telegram
The Political Adviser in Korea (Jacobs) to the Secretary of State
priority
284. Zpol 1042. General Shtikov asked to see General Brown the afternoon of August 18 and asked what General Brown had in mind by twice requesting that he call meeting of the Joint Commission. General Brown replied that he desired this meeting in order to comply with the letter from Secretary of State George C. Marshall to the Soviet Minister of Foreign Affairs V. M. Molotov, which requested that the Joint Commission submit to their respective governments a report by August 21.
General Shtikov stated that he still had no instructions from his Government concerning the Marshall letter. General Brown then informed Shtikov that American delegation would continue preparation of report and submit it on August 21 subject to such changes in this plan as might be required if Shtikov should receive instructions from Moscow before that date. Shtikov then said the Soviet delegation is still working on proposal made by American delegation at 53rd meeting, August 12, quoted in Seoul PcdAd 271, August 12.
General Brown stated American delegation would meet with Soviet delegation when Soviet Chief Commissioner, chairman for this week, called a meeting.
The future Soviet strategy cannot be predicted. It is possible that Soviet delegation may submit counter proposal to recent American proposal so drawn as to keep the Joint Commission alive and to prevent [Page 757] further pressure from US on governmental level until after UN meeting in September in order to keep Korean problem out of UN for another year. It is believed here that SWNCC plan (War 83671, 081300)73 should be aggressively pushed to completion. In the meantime, in the absence of instructions to the contrary, the American delegation will proceed in accordance with the program outlined in Seoul Polad 234, July 25.
It is not believed that favorable result is to be expected unless Moscow directs Soviet delegation to change present tactics and adopt broad-minded and cooperative attitude. Such result may arise from SWNCC plan if aggressively pushed. If Soviet delegation continues dilatory tactics, request authority for American delegation to propose recess pending results of effort on ministerial and four-power level.
This telegram has approval of General Hodge and General Brown.