501.BB Korea/2–2548: Telegram
The Acting Political Adviser in Korea (Langdon) to the Secretary of State 1
111. Pol 1858. The following messages to Secretary-General2 UN passed to you for delivery if deemed appropriate and necessary.
- 1.
-
“The United Council for the Establishment of the Independent Korean Government, composed of one hundred and eighty political parties and social organizations, supports the first alternative, referred by Dr. K. P. S. Menon, chairman of the UN Temporary Commission on Korea, ‘to observe elections, which will necessarily be confined to South Korea, and to facilitate the setting up of government in South Korea, to be recognized as the national government of Korea.’
“It is our sincere wish that the honorable representatives of the Interim Committee would adopt it.
[Page 1132]“Signed the United Council for the Establishment of the Independent Korean Government.”
- 2.
- “In behalf of the Directorate of South Korea Government, I
have the honor to submit through you the following message to
the Interim Committee of the United Nations:
‘The Korean people are deeply grateful to the United Nations for the historic steps taken in achieving Korean national independence. Our deep appreciation is due to Dr. Menon, chairman of UN Temporary Commission on Korea, in his speech delivered to the Interim Committee on February 19. However, we are totally disappointed with the second recommendation that an election be held to constitute representative Korean group for consultation purposes. We are strongly in favor of holding, in the zones where it is possible to hold, a general election that will lead to the establishment of a national government. Further, we desire to emphasize that this is, in our belief, the general feelings of an overwhelming majority in South Korea. In order to pioneer our national fortunes at this critical juncture, we need a strong national government constituted by the will of the people, and recognized by the United Nations. Signed Ahn Chai Hong, Civil Administrator.’”