501.BB Korea/7–1948: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State 1
secret
London, July
19, 1948—7 p. m.
3268. Deptel 2799, July 17, 5 p. m.,2 re recognition Korean Government.
- 1.
- Foreign Office agrees would be highly appropriate for US, GB and China to take parallel action re recognition of new Korean Government and appreciates fact that some necessity exists for US as occupying power to take some action immediately upon formation new Government in South Korea but does not feel that same necessity prevails in regard GB. More concerned with use of any phrase implying that new government is government of “all Korea” than with problem of timing.
- 2.
- Foreign Office points out that three members of Temporary Commission on Korea are British Dominions and that these members might justifiably have cause for complaint should UK take action in recognizing new government in South Korea, even with modified formula, before three Dominions have had their say to UN. Pointed out to Foreign Office that delay in implementing further provisions of GA resolutions might well result in riots and disorders in Korea. Foreign Office wondered if US could not call meeting of Interim Committee to receive report of UNTCOK or, if this not practical, to proceed immediately with such tentative negotiations with new Korean Government as will satisfy Koreans while awaiting decision of GA. Under any circumstances Foreign Office not inclined extend recognition of any kind to new Korean Government until UNTCOK has reported to UN or organization thereof that new government has emerged as result of elections held under GA resolutions.
- 3.
- It is not believed that joint US-China démarche to UK will have any effect on British position but suggestions being telegraphed Nanking.
Sent Department 3268; repeated Nanking 4.
Douglas