501.BB Korea/3–1148: Telegram
The Acting Political Adviser in Korea (Langdon) to the Secretary of State
confidential
Seoul, March 11,
1948.
142. Cite Zpol 300. Following is gist of conversation 10th between Menon, Hoo, and Schmidt on one hand and General Hodge on other.
- 1.
- Principal reason for Hodge’s wish to meet group was to seek their good offices in persuading Kim Koo and Kimm Kiusic to cooperate with elections. This element had been led to give substance to illusory north-south leaders conference idea by its recognition by Menon at Interim Committee.
- 2.
- Recalcitrants refused to listen to explanations of inevitability of UN observed elections but offered no alternative solution. Menon et al. expressed fear that election will only be participated in by Rhee’s group (Jackson’s thesis). Hodge countered that rightists were definitely split between Rhee and Hankook party. Added that current active opposition of Kim Koo to election would be in effect alliance with Communists to upset peace and order during election period. Hodge then expressed astonishment at press release (Seoul’s 140, March 10) which tried to pin on him responsibility for announcing election date. UN group was very apologetic. Hodge said he was pressed on all sides about UNTCOK charge that he had issued unwarranted proclamation. He was making and intended to make no comment as he did not wish to get into controversy that might show lack of full agreement on holding election. He went on to point dangers of continued confusion coming out of UNTCOK. Recalled his original request that UNTCOK act positively and promptly, and stated present need for such action was great as ever if confidence of Korean [Page 1149] people was to be retained. Added that Communist activities were being given great impetus by stories coming out of UNTCOK and indication there was great sympathy for Communist cause therein. He also recalled that whereas in early days of UNTCOK, Communists in South Korea were trying to break away from their orders to boycott election now, because of loss of confidence in UN, they were not only going back into the fold but also taking other elements in along with them.
- 3.
- Hoo expressed concern over what he thought “persecution” of Kim Koo to bring him back into rightists line, referring to current trial in military commission of Kim Koo’s lieutenants for complicity in Chang Duk Soo murder. Hodge stressed necessity of impartial handling of justice and observed notwithstanding general belief among Koreans that Kim Koo had directed death of Chang military commission was scrupulously examining evidence. Added that if evidence exonerated Kim Koo he would be protected from further action but if it established his guilt justice would take its course. Hoo seemed not to realize truth of picture.
Langdon