501.BB Korea/7–2648: Telegram
The Political Adviser in Korea (Jacobs) to the Secretary of State
urgent
597. Cite Zpol 1145. Following are comments requested Deptel 262, July 25:
Concur in paragraph 1.
Add following sentence as last sentence of paragraph 2: “The two aforementioned resolutions of the General Assembly were supported by a resolution of the Interim Committee adopted February 27, 1948.” (Note: We feel that reference should be made somewhere in Department’s statement to Interim Committee’s Resolution.)
Words at end of paragraph 3 reading “was communicated by National Assembly to UNTCOK” should read “was communicated by the President of the Republic of Korea to UNTCOK.” (Note: Explanation for use of “Republic of Korea” will be found in PolAd’s 595, July 26.)
We suggest deletion of words at end of paragraph 4 reading “including that relating to the withdrawal of occupation forces from Korea” and addition in lieu thereof after words “concerning implementation of further provisions” of the words “contained in paragraph 4” so that last clause will read “concerning implementation of further provisions contained in paragraph 4 of General Assembly’s Resolution Two of November 14, 1947.” (Note: We consider it undesirable to single out troop withdrawal as only “further provision” to be mentioned in statement of US Government. Either all three “further[”] provisions contained in paragraph 4 of General Assembly’s Resolution Two should be specifically mentioned or device suggested above be employed. We prefer latter in order avoid mentioning any provisions specifically.)
Also we feel that statement should contain name of President’s representative with his rank which we understand will be that of Ambassador. [Page 1262] However, we can see some merit in leaving this information out of statement as communicated in advance to interested governments as that is detail which might distract their attention from major points included in statement.
As regards optimum time for release, we are of opinion that it should come after we have persuaded Rhee to transmit to us note at Tab “A” and we have actually received that note. We suggest that it be released on day we communicate to Rhee our note at Tab “B”, or a day or two thereafter.
If Department approves this plan, we anticipate that timing of issuance of statement will be between August 5 and 10.
We interpret last paragraph of Deptel 262 to convey the idea that Department will expect us communicate, or at least read informally, text of proposed statement in advance to members of UNTCOK here. We believe that such action might be helpful especially if home governments of delegates should communicate with them concerning that statement.