895.00/10–847: Telegram
The Political Adviser in Korea (Jacobs) to the Secretary of State
413. Cite Zpol 9088. Following is statement issued by General Hodge October 8 regarding South Korea election and Korean representation at U.N.:33
[“]When queried with reference to the subjects of selection of Korea’s representatives to go to the United Nations, and of a date for a general election in South Korea, Lieutenant General John R. Hodge stated as follows:
‘All Koreans are fully aware that because of the deadlock in the U.S.–U.S.S.R. Joint Commission, the United States has requested the General Assembly of the United Nations to take up the problem of early establishment of Korean independence of a united Korea. They are also aware that most of the independent nations of the world fully [Page 825] approved this action by placing the Korean problem on the agenda of the General Assembly discussions by a vote 41 to 6. The wide local general approval of this action, as expressed by prominent Koreans and Korean political parties other than the Communist-dominated groups, indicates that most Koreans welcome the solution of their problem by the United Nations.’
Concerning representatives to United Nations General Assembly, General Hodge said that he has received no request or authorization from the United States Government or from the United Nations for Korea representatives to attend any discussions of the General Assembly, and until request has been received, it is not within his power either to select or to dispatch representatives from Korea for that purpose.
As to the matter of designating a specific date for a general election in South Korea, he pointed out that since the United Nations has decided to act on the Korean problem at the request of the United States Government, the local commander of the United States forces is not empowered to set a date for a unilateral general election within this zone until directed to do so, either by his Government or by a proper directive from the United Nations. He urged the Korean people to grasp the full significance of the Korean problem being placed in United Nations General Assembly and to understand that precipitant unilateral action in South Korea at this time will endanger the future of a united Korean nation.
In conclusion he said: ‘My advice to all Koreans at this critical time in the development of their nation is to put faith in the wisdom and ability of the United Nations General Assembly to find a means of solving the Korean problem, and to give their full and wholehearted support to the decision of the General Assembly of peace loving independent nations of the world. Calm and patience are essential.’”34
- In telegram 412, October 8, from Seoul, it was explained that General Hodge issued his statement following agitation by rightist groups and police prevention of a “sit-down protest” on October 7 (740.00119 Control(Korea)/10–847).↩
- A further paragraph to the statement was sent in telegram 415, October 9, as follows: “In this connection, General Helmick, Acting Military Governor, states that pending decision by the United Nations, the interim government of South Korea, assisted by the United States Military Government, is pushing the preparations for a general election.” (895.00/10–947)↩