Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, The Far East and Australasia, Volume VI

501.BB Korea/7–648: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Political Adviser in Korea (Jacobs)

secret

Washington, July 10, 1948—2 p. m.

272. Gen. Hodge’s proposed reply to Gen. Merkulov on subject, Korean power settlement (urtel 523, July 6) concurred in by Dept subject following comments:

(1) In view present intention divest USAFIK of governmental authority and responsibility following formation new Korean Govt, suggest desirability deleting final sentence third para reading “Korean participation in such negotiations however in no way modifies status of Soviet and American Commands as responsible military occupants in Korea”.

(2) Suggest opening phrase of numbered subpara 2 be amended to read “Simultaneous dispatch of rep of Soviet Command to Seoul”.

(3) Suggest numbered subpara 3 be changed to read “Concurrent dispatch to Seoul of fully authorized reps of Soviet Command, or agents designated and properly accredited by Soviet Command with full powers to act on its behalf, for purpose of concluding settlement for electric power received after 31 May 1947, and of reaching agreement regarding payment for electric power to be received during remainder of occupation.”¹

Army concurs.

Marshall

1. Telegram 551, July 13, from Seoul, quoted text of letter as revised, dated July 12; for text, see Department of State Bulletin, August 1, 1948, p. 147.