123 [John J. Muccio]
Memorandum by the Secretary of State to President Truman 1
Subject: Proposed Appointment of Mr. John J. Muccio as Ambassador to Korea.
In anticipation of the creation of a government of Korea as a result of the elections scheduled to be held in south Korea on May 10 under the observation of the United Nations Temporary Commission on Korea, and also in anticipation of the establishment of an American Embassy at Seoul, which has been given your approval, it is necessary to clear with you at this time the appointment of our first Ambassador to Korea in order that the Department will be able to act with despatch at the proper time. Consequently, I am now proposing for your consideration for this position the name of John J. Muccio, a Foreign Service Officer of the Class of Career Minister.
Since his entry into the Service in 1921, Mr. Muccio has demonstrated unusual ability and as a result of his outstanding attainments he has steadily progressed to the top rank of the Service. In the early part of his career he had extended service in the Far East; later he served at various posts in South America; and more recently was attached to the Staff of the United States Political Adviser on German Affairs, Supreme Headquarters, A.E.F., Berlin. Because of his wide experience and unusual knowledge of Service matters, he was appointed Chief [Page 1184] Foreign Service Inspector for Asia and Africa on July 1, 1947, and promoted to the class of Career Minister. It is felt that he is eminently qualified to assume the duties of Chief of Mission, particularly in the area in question.
If this recommendation meets with your approval, I should appreciate being so informed. In view of the fact, however, that the circumstances under which the United States enters into relationship with the new Korean Government will be to a certain degree dependent upon the recommendations of the United Nations Temporary Commission on Korea in that regard, it is requested that no announcement be made at this time regarding his appointment (and that Mr. Muccio’s name not be sent to the Senate for the time being. In this connection, the possibility is envisaged that, should you approve Mr. Muccio’s appointment, circumstances might require that he proceed to Korea at the outset as diplomatic agent pending the formalization of our relations with the new Government.
- Written notation on April 28; “Approved Harry S. Truman”.↩