501.BB Korea/3–648: Telegram
The Acting Political Adviser in Korea (Langdon) to the Secretary of State
133. Cite Zpol 282. Department’s assumption that decision to hold simultaneous rather than staggered elections reflects considered view of command and UNTCOK is correct (Deptel 64, March 31). In a study by subcommittee three of electoral provisions of South and North Korea, legality of staggered elections was touched upon and it was pointed out that Section 22 of Skila election law provides that election shall take place on same day throughout whole country. In same document difficulties of staggered elections envisaged by authorities are cited as follows: “The procedure would make the election last a considerable time, would have considerable budgetary repercussions for United Nations as well as for Korea and could prolong the period of electioneering excitement and political agitation. In view of the size of the electoral districts and the limited means of communication, it is doubtful whether even if such a system were to be adopted, the Commission would be able to actually perform more than a sample observation.”
In footnote in same document, General Dean’s testimony on February 24th also is quoted: “As I say, that is a question to which I have given a great deal of attention, and the advantages and disadvantages are several for each line of action. If the elections could be held simultaneously all over South Korea, there is less opportunity for dishonesty and more chance for fair elections in every place. If elections were not held simultaneously, word might get down from one province to another how things were going and there would be the desire to put on the pressure that we are trying to circumvent. The news might be wrong, but that would not make any difference. It would be much better if we could have the elections simultaneously through[ou]t South Korea. On the other hand, it might be necessary, if it is desired to give a complete coverage to your observation, to have elections in one or two provinces at a time, but, even then, I think you are sanguine if you contemplate having elections every ten days, because just moving about from one place to another is going to take time.”
In consultation with UNTCOK, it was further determined that considerable additional transport equipment, which is not available, as well as at least 50 more UN experts would be required to administer a staggered election.
[Page 1143]Command’s main objection is on ground of maintenance of order. Troops and peace maintenance forces are inadequate to handle situations that may grow out of prolonged electioneering excitement.
Having considered foregoing and other aspects of seriatim election, it was decided at full commission meeting February 28 that Schmidt2 would phone Menon for instructions on definite election date for an nouncement in press and in his address at mass meeting (see Seoul PolAd’s 118, March 1st3). Result of phone conversation was that announcement would read “elections would be held before May 10th”.
Commission thereupon coordinated action with General Hodge to proclaim May 9th as actual date. Hodge will discuss question with Menon who returns today but feels that matters have gone too far to reverse planning and progress that have been made in direction of simultaneous election. Command believes Mr. Jessup’s suggestions before Interim Committee may have been based on a study originating in the American delegation of Joint Commission for conducting closely supervised elections under United States control and observation. UNTCOK’s attitude is that elections now visualized are of entirely different character and that they do not want Americans in uniform or out to supervise; that UN will observe by spot checks and reports of election committees and invite complaints.