Office of the Historian

501.BB Korea/2–2448: Telegram

The United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin) to the Secretary of State 1

New York, February 24, 1948—6:30 p. m.

206. Following is text of resolution submitted to IC February 24 by Jessup:

“Whereas the Chairman of the UN Temporary Commission on Korea, accompanied by the Acting Secretary General, consulted the IC on the following questions:

  • ‘1. Is it open to or incumbent upon the Commission, under the terms of the GA resolutions of 14 November 1947, and in the light [Page 1129] of developments in the situation with respect to Korea since that date, to implement the programmers outlined in Resolution II in that part of Korea which is occupied by the Armed Forces of the USA?
  • 2. If not,
    (A)
    Should the Commission observe the election of Korean representatives to take part in the consideration of the Korean question, as outlined in Resolution I of 14 November 1947, provided that it has determined that elections can be held in a free atmosphere? And,
    (B)
    Should the Commission consider such other measures as may be possible and advisable with a view to the attainment of its objectives?’

The IC,

Bearing in mind the views expressed by the Chairman of the UN Temporary Commission on Korea;

Deeming it necessary that the programme set forth in the GA resolutions of 14 November 1947 be carried out and as a necessary step therein that the UN Temporary Commission on Korea proceed with the observance of elections in all Korea, and if that is impossible, in as much of Korea as is accessible to it; and

Considering it important that the elections be held to choose representatives of the Korean people with whom the UN Temporary Commission on Korea may consult regarding the prompt attainment of freedom and independence of the Korean people, which representatives, constituting a national assembly, may establish a national government of Korea;

Resolves

That in its view it is incumbent upon the UN Temporary Commission on Korea, under the terms of the GA resolution of 14 November 1947, and in the light of developments in the situation with respect to Korea since that date, to implement the programme as outlined in Resolution II, in such parts of Korea as are accessible to the Commission.”2

Austin
  1. Repeated by New York to Seoul as 203, February 23, 6 p. m.↩
  2. Telegram 58, February 26, 6 p. m., to Seoul, reported that the UN Interim Committee that day passed unamended the American resolution by a vote of 31 to 2 (11 abstaining) (501.BB Korea/2–2648). For text of UN Doc. A/AC.18/31, adopted February 26, see Department of State Bulletin, March 7, 1948, p. 297.↩