501.BB Korea/4–848: Telegram
The Political Adviser in Korea (Jacobs) to the Secretary of State
confidential
Seoul, April 8,
1948.
217. Cite Zpol 438. Following is report of some refreshing views of new Indian delegate Bahadur Singh by General Hodge after talking with Singh at dinner:
- (1)
- Singh is pleased with progress of registration and extent and effectiveness of election education program. Says his colleagues who have done most of criticizing are becoming educated. Thinks there can be better election in Korea than in India or China. However, he is concerned about ability of Koreans to govern themselves and is not happy about prospects of Kim Koo and Kimm Kiusic attending Pyongyang Conference.
- (2)
- He fears Communist violence may interfere with elections and, taking realistic view, even suggests use of soldiers, police and constabulary to protect polling places.
- (3)
- He made effort to ascertain just exactly what US is going to do in Korea after government is formed, indicating fear that US will leave Korea to its devices and Communism.
- (4)
- He is giving thought to what UNTCOK will do after election, saying that is where UNTCOK’s real job begins. This is refreshing contrast with shallow thinking of most delegates and most members of local secretariat whose chief thought is how soon they can get out of Korea.
- (5)
- Says from Oriental viewpoint South Korea has great freedom and that non-Oriental delegates are prone to apply idealistic standards here which are suitable only for their own countries.
- (6)
- Expressed much interest in the talks he has had with refugees from North Korea.
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Jacobs
]