Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, The Far East and Australasia, Volume VI

501.BB Korea/2–1248: Telegram

The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Gallman) to the Secretary of State

confidential

London, February 12, 1948—6 p. m.

540. (1) We discussed Korean question orally today with MacDermot, head Japanese Department, Foreign Office, imparting to him views set forth Deptcirtel February 10.¹

(2) MacDermot said in Foreign Office view elections limited south zone might inevitably be proper but would have undesirable effect of emphasizing partition Korea. Foreign Office accordingly wished to be satisfied every means had been taken bring north and south Korea together before giving consideration supporting US proposals. In this relation Foreign Office wishes study any report and suggestions presented by UN temporary commission to Interim Committee, and it also wants ascertain whether Interim Committee still entertains any hope two zones can be brought together.

(3) In event temporary commission renders negative report and Interim Commission unable find alternative means implementing GA resolution, we feel UK will in end follow US lead.

Sent Department 540; repeated Moscow 18.

Gallman

1. See footnote 1, p. 1098.