501.BB Korea/8–748: Telegram
The Political Adviser in Korea (Jacobs) to the Secretary of State
633. Cite Zpol 8873. For [From] Jacobs and Bunce: Reference Seoul’s PolAd’s 551, July 131 concerning North Korea power question, following is translation of letter dated July 26 received today by General Hodge from General Merkulov:
“I acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 12 July 1948. The Command of the Soviet forces in North Korea repeatedly informed you, that I can no longer act in the role of an intermediary in the account of electric energy, supplied to South Korea by the North Korean People’s Committee, and I cannot competently appoint definite Korean representatives in capacity of fully authorized negotiators and receivers of commodities.
In my letter of 25 June I informed you, that the North Korean People’s Committee has agreed to receive the commodities for the electric energy, and also carry on negotiations on the conditions of delivery of and payment for electric energy for a further period of time.
Thus, I see no reason to hold the Soviet Command responsible in its refusal to act as an intermediary in said negotiations, for the provision of electric energy to South Korea.
Thus, the regulation of said question and the renewance of the delivery of electric energy to South Korea wholly and fully depends on the American Command.
Once more I recommend that on all questions concerning the provision of electric energy to South Korea, to turn directly to the North Korean People’s Committee”.
Foregoing letter is not being released to press for time being.