501.BB Korea/6–1148: Telegram
The Political Adviser in Korea (Jacobs) to the Secretary of State
443. Cite Zpol 6349. There is quoted in last paragraph of this message UNTCOK’s resolution June 10 as contained in its press release Number 67 of that date on consultation with Assembly. This resolution comes as result of considerable discussion following Dr. Rhee’s letter to UNTCOK announcing appointment by Assembly of Liaison Committee to contact UNTCOK.1 Jackson and Patterson (supported by Milner as drafting officer) strongly opposed any reference in resolution to “Assembly,” to word “national” or to anything that would describe assemblymen as representatives “of the Korean people”. It will be noted that resolution as finally adopted contained no indication that Assembly is national or that it represents Korean people.
Adoption of this resolution in form desired by strong Jackson-Patterson-Singh minority is another instance of how this strong minority can impose its will on less strong majority which in this case consisted of Liu, Luna, Costilhes and Vallé, all of whom appeared to be willing to state that Assembly is national. Attitude adopted by minority is like that of an ostrich inasmuch as resolution actually does refer to further implementation of Commission’s terms of reference as defined in resolution November 14 which specifically describes Assembly as national. Especial attention is invited herein to this matter as we may expect hereafter to find minority group (at present minority in absence of Mughir) opposing any use of term “national” in connection with government or regime which may be established in South Korea as result of election of May 10.
[Page 1219]Here follows text of resolution:
“The United Nations Temporary Commission on Korea,
Having observed the election held on May 10, 1948, and having returned to Seoul on June 7, 1948 to resume its sessions,
Resolves:
That notice be sent to the elected representatives stating that the Commission is now ready for such consultation as they may request concerning the further implementation of the Commission’s terms of reference as defined in the resolutions of the General Assembly adopted on November 14, 1947.”
- Text of letter dated June 11 was sent in telegram 450, June 14, from Seoul, not printed.↩