501.BB Korea/7–2648: Telegram
The United States Acting Representative at the United Nations (Jessup) to the Secretary of State
priority
956. For Bond from Jessup: Referring to consultations here Friday,1 the following is suggested draft letter to the chairman of UNTCOK from General Hodge which you requested:
“I have been advised by the President of Korea that the National Assembly has formed a government of the Republic of Korea and has given formal notification thereof to UNTCOK. I have been requested in this connection to enter into negotiations with the newly-formed government concerning the implementation of the steps set forth in points (a), (b), and (c) of paragraph 4 of resolution II of the GA of the UN, dated November 14, 1947.
You will recognize that the US Government as the responsible occupying power concerned has special responsibilities in connection with the implementation of the steps referred to in the above mentioned paragraphs of the GA resolution. The constitution of a national security force for Korea in accordance with paragraph 4(a) necessarily depends upon the cooperation of the US forces. Similarly, the transfer of the remaining functions of government from the US as occupying power to the newly-formed government, as contemplated in paragraph 4(b) of the GA resolution, is a matter which will necessarily involve arrangements between the US and the Koreans. Since, in accordance [Page 1263] with the policies of the US, the process of gradually placing in the hands of the Koreans the powers of self-government is already well advanced, action under this paragraph will be largely formal. Finally, the implementation of paragraph 4(c) of the GA resolution, concerning arrangements for the complete withdrawal from Korea of the armed forces of the occupying powers as early as practicable, will entail detailed arrangements between the US and the [new]: Korean [government].
The US Government is fully cognizant of the important role assigned by the GA to UNTCOK in the various steps to be taken in the course of bringing about the establishment of an independent Korea. The UNTCOK has already successfully carried out many of its duties, and the GA, at its forthcoming session, will no doubt take cognizance of its report on the accomplishment of its tasks to date. The US has been gratified to be able to cooperate with the UNTCOK in its work up to this time and desires to continue to cooperate with it wholeheartedly in the further steps contemplated by the GA’s resolution of November 14, 1947. For its part, the US Government is fully prepared to carry out in letter and in spirit the recommendations of the GA set forth in paragraph 4 of the resolution of November 14, 1947. The US, as the responsible occupying power, is ready to enter into negotiations with the newly-formed government, in consultation with UNTCOK, with a view to the early implementation of these recommendations, [and] I have so informed the President of [Korea]. I am prepared to commence consultations immediately and would very much appreciate being informed of the Commission’s pleasure in regard thereto.”
As to Jacobs’ comments on our proposals, it appears that he did not fully understand what we had in mind since his conclusions seem to be in general agreement with the conclusions we had reached and which were confirmed in our consultation with you last Friday. I refer particularly to the questions of recognition and troop withdrawal.
- July 23.↩