895.01/8–2348: Telegram
The Political Adviser in Korea (Jacobs) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
704. Cite Zpol 9602. Ambassador Muccio arrived Seoul 2:30 afternoon August 23. He was met at airport by P;rime Minister Lee Bum Suk, Foreign Minister Chang Taik Sang, Minister Home Affairs Yun Chi Yung and other Korean officials, General Hodge, members of his staff and political adviser Jacobs. Members of press were also present.
Ambassador released to press following statement:
“It is profoundly gratifying to me, as special representative of the President of the United States, to be arriving at the auspicious moment that the Korean people are realizing their aspiration for independence.
[Page 1287]“The goodwill of the people of the United States has step by step accompanied the unflagging determination of the Korean people to regain their independence. Unfortunately during three long years this has proved impossible of attainment through no fault either of the Koreans or of the real friends of Korea.
“The people of the United States were greatly impressed by the fact that 90 percent of the eligible Korean electorate voted in the elections of May 10. We were further elated that the freely elected representatives of the Korean people responded so earnestly to the spirit of the United Nations resolutions of November 14, 1947, and after careful and open deliberation adopted a constitution and established a government headed by the veteran patriot statesman, Doctor Syngman Rhee.
“I am here to carry on negotiations with the Republic of Korea, in consultation with the United Nations Temporary Commission on Korea, concerning the further implementation of the provisions set forth in the General Assembly resolutions of November 14, 1947, and to give expression to the goodwill of the people of the United States tangibly to assist Korea in establishing the essential basis for an independent and democratic state. I am confident that Korea will achieve without further delay a united, self-governing and sovereign status, rid of all foreign controls, and qualify for membership in the United Nations.”
(Pass to IBD NY.)