501.BB Korea/7–1448: Telegram
The Chargé in Australia (Nielsen) to the Secretary of State 1
153. Communicated to Burton2 substance Depcirtel July 10, 1 p. m. [a. m.]. He had foreseen probability subject arising soon and therefore had discussed it thoroughly with Dr. Evatt. Following is his comment:
- 1.
- Australian Government will not recognize new government in south as national government of Korea (it does not represent entire country, people in north did not vote, etc.) nor will it recognize new government us government of South Korea until report of UNTCOK has gone to GA and has been accepted by it. Recognition by Australia on basis unilateral action suggested by Department would be in violation of Austr[al]ian Government’s general principle that it will accord recognition to a new state only after that state has been admitted to membership in UN.
- 2.
- Burton said that because of circumstances in which south Korean elections were held (but he added that his government did not plan to challenge those elections) he feared there would arise in Korea a situation comparable to that in Greece, with allegations that the new government is not constituted on a broad enough basis to be truly representative, with that government finding it necessary to resort to extensive executions and other harsh measures in order remain in power, and with assistance for the disaffected element coming from North Korea. Such developments assuredly would deepen present divisions of country.
- 3.
- Reverting to subject of recognition, Burton said that following course of action seemed logical and promised to be effective.
In view of its special position, let US at any time announce, if it chooses to do so, that it will give its support to new government in south. When GA considers UNTCOK report, Burton is confident that in mood in which it will be at the time GA will find and record that commission did not do job for which it was established, and that it failed to do so because will of single power prevented it from discharging its task. He believes GA would then commend UNTCOK for having done well in the circumstances and would adopt report. GA might admit South Korea to UN membership, thereby making possible recognition by all members with weight of GA approval behind action. Burton was very certain that unilateral action as outlined by Department would cause number of powers refuse recognition. He hinted that [Page 1242] UK is uneasy about unilateral actions but he did not express opinion as to how UK views Korean situation.