501.BB Korea/2–2648: Telegram
Lieutenant General John R. Hodge to the Secretary of State
Zgcg 241. This is brief report of personal conferences with Jackson of Australia and Patterson of Canada, delegates on UNTCOK.
Jackson requested personal interview on 24 February in which he attempted to justify his attitude and operations as a delegate of UNTCOK, appearing at times to be apologetic in efforts to rationalize his position. In so doing he gave the impression that most of the apparent confusion in UNTCOK was engineered by him, particularly the legalistic bickering that has confused some of the delegates and also gave impression that he would continue in efforts to dominate the commission, taking advantage of weak-spined attitude of several delegates. He made many protestations of friendship and admiration for the US efforts in Korea, but showed great determination to delay any solution and an utter lack of realism in viewing the situation in Korea. Said the Little Assembly would not vote for the American stand and his attitude indicates to me that if it approves our stand, he, Jackson, will do all he can to sabotage the work of UNTCOK here, even though he stoutly maintained that UNTCOK should stay in Korea.
Patterson and Mrs. Patterson were the only guests at dinner at my quarters and talk was more informal with less official flavor than with [Page 1133] Jackson. However, several interesting things came out that were worthy of note, mostly in the measure of the man himself:
- A.
- Patterson is the number one outspoken apologist for Soviet Russia and for communism that I have encountered in many months. He says we have not studied and approached communism sympathetically; that there is much good in the ideology or it would lose its following; that capitalistic nations must adjust ourselves to it and adopt many portions of it, particularly in the economic field and in the social reforms expressed in the creed; that all his contacts with Communists and Russians have been pleasant and favorable; that Russia’s attitude toward the United States is due to a real fear of American expansionism and imperialism (which he himself apparently believes exists in fact and is a bad influence in the world).
- B.
- He is an all-out idealistic Socialist who apparently believes the world will break up unless there is some radical change in the capitalistic system.
- C.
- He, personally, is against elections in south Korea because “they will result in reactionary rightists getting in and they will maintain themselves in power for years to come.” This and other similar expressions explain his great concern over the views expressed by the spokesman of the leftist-fringe Communist infiltrated parties (all of whom are now openly demanding immediate withdrawal of both forces).
- D.
- He states that UN cannot afford to “side with the United States against Soviet Russia on the Korean question” and like Jackson ignores the factual situation in Korea and shows a belief that the Russians will give in.
- E.
- He openly admits that his and Jackson’s maneuvering in UNTCOK are definite appeasement of Russia tactics and that he is in favor of appeasement “so the Russians will lose their fear and will cooperate.”
- F.
- He brushed off the “Canada spy ring” as merely a normal quest for needed war information.
Jackson and Patterson have been teamed up since arrival here to balk UNTCOK in furthering United States mission. Apparently both have read all the Mark Gayne (Chicago Sun and PM), Gordon Walker (Christian Science Monitor), Hugh Dean (Telepress, ALN, Daily Worker, New Masses) line and, upon arrival, set out to prove that it is true. Jackson has been most active and based on statements made to me I believe he will stay here and make all the difficulties he can, in case Little Assembly backs up United States position. However, Jackson has not openly followed and talked the “fellow traveler” attitude displayed by Patterson. Patterson has dropped hints that he has advised Canada to have no part in UNTCOK if any of its actions might offend Russia. He is leaving Seoul for Tokyo on Friday. Although he told me he will return in about one week, I doubt if he will do so in case UN decision is against his ideas.