501.BB Korea/4–2748: Telegram
The Political Adviser in Korea (Jacobs) to the Secretary of State
priority
274. Cite Zpol 538. With further reference Jackson’s attitude as reported in Seoul PolAd 271, April 26,1 following is gist of high points of his conversation with General Hodge and General Weckerling:
- 1.
- Jackson said he now has instructions giving him freedom of action in reaching decisions on forthcoming election, adding that Evatt2 will follow his recommendations implicitly.
- 2.
- He said he was more than satisfied with what he found on his observation trips, especially insofar as concerns United States officials and their efforts to bring about conditions conducive to holding of fair election. He added, however, that situation appears “too perfect” and that he is afraid report along that line would not be good for United States because it would be attacked by Russians. He is trying to find formula which would describe situation in “true light” as that would be “best for the United States.” He said if Commission tried to make “perfect report,” it would be opposed by Patterson, Mughir and himself and probably by Singh.
- 3.
- During these conversations he emphasized by repetition that he wanted to do what was best for United States and yet keep indicating that whatever was done must take into consideration susceptibilities of the Russians.
- 4.
- Jackson inquired specifically of General Hodge what United States wanted. Parenthetically, it may be stated that this is a question which Paul-Boncour and Manet are continually asked. General Hodge replied (and we follow this line generally)
- A.
- That we hope UNTCOK will proceed actively with all steps necessary for observance of election and cease doing anything that will give comfort to those who are either not participating or are actually boycotting the election;
- B.
- That we want UNTCOK to assist in arrangements which will follow election as provided in paragraph 4 of resolution 2; and
- C.
- That we want unification of Korea and visualize (B) as necessary step toward realization of that ultimate objective.
Jackson’s views continue to be incoherent and inconsistent with his actions. Many of his remarks do not make sense. It seems fact, however, that he must have received some new instructions, exact nature of which he has not revealed, and it appears he is definitely trying to ingratiate himself with us without exactly dropping views, at least entirely, which he has been holding all along. For instance on Sunday, the day before he saw General Hodge, Jackson told New York Times correspondent that he could find nothing wrong because both Koreans and Americans have been too well rehearsed and that he was sure plainclothes police were around the corner to take care of anyone who spilled the beans. When asked if he has checked on these police, he stated it would be impolite to do so.
Parenthetically, Patterson also told New York Times correspondent Sunday that while UNTCOK could not take official cognizance of north-south conference, he personally thought it was finest thing that had happened since his arrival in Korea.