501.BB Korea/5–2148: Telegram
The Political Adviser in Korea (Jacobs) to the Secretary of State
secret
priority
Seoul, May 21,
1948.
378. Cite Zpol 704. Unless advised
to contrary before May 25 contents of this telegram are classified
as secret. General Hodge proposes to issue on May 25 proclamation
concerning future “National Assembly”, text of which is as follows:
- “1. In accordance with recommendations of the
resolution of the General Assembly of the United
Nations, 14 November, 1947, as amplified by resolutions
of the interim committee of the United Nations on 27
February, 1948, and under the law for the election of
representatives of the Korean people, issued 17 March,
1948, an election was held on 10 May, 1948 under the
observation of the United Nations Temporary
[Page 1203]
Commission
on Korea, to choose representatives with whom the
Commission may consult regarding the prompt attainment
of the freedom and independence of the Korean people,
and which representatives constituting a National
Assembly, may establish a government.
- “2. The National Election Committee having informed me
that successful candidates have been notified and public
notice of the results of the election having been given,
I, John R. Hodge, Lieutenant General, United States
Army, Commanding General, United States Army Forces in
Korea, hereby authorize the Chairman of the National
Election Committee to determine and publicly to announce
the date on which the first meeting of the elected
representatives of the Korean people shall be held in
the capital city of Seoul,1 to call the first meeting to order,
and to designate the oldest member as temporary chairman
who shall preside over the meeting until such time as
the National Assembly has elected a chairman and
determined its own organization.
- “3. The law for the election of representatives of the
Korean people, issued 17 March, 1948, requires by
section 43 that the election committee of the electoral
district shall inform the successful candidate of his
election. It is hereby provided that such notification
of elections shall constitute credentials of the
successful candidates, and shall entitle them and each
of them to assume their representative seats in the
National Assembly.
- “4. Given in the capital city of Seoul on this 25th
day of May, 1948. John E. Hodge, Lieutenant General US
Army, commanding.”2
