Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, The Far East and Australasia, Volume VI

740.00119 Control (Korea) /11–548: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of State, at Paris

top secret
us urgent

Washington, November 5, 1948—7 p. m.

Telmar 135. For Secretary’s eyes only. Ref Problem Summary Book Tab 26 Korea. Pursuant its undertaking advise State in advance time when in its opinion further reduction US forces Korea would make impossible successful continuation occupation mission, Dept Army has given notification in letter dated Nov 4¹ recd Nov 5 that Nov 15 is critical date by which it must know whether continue or suspend troop withdrawal as planned.

Ur concurrence sought reply based fol points:²

1. In view fact GA not yet had opportunity consider and act upon Korean problem we would regard it as premature and prejudicial US interests to enter into final and irreversible stages troop withdrawal at this time;

2. Reduction forces shd therefore be suspended accordingly pending further developments GA;

3. USDel will endeavor obtain action in GA which will establish satisfactory conditions early US withdrawal, prior final implementation of which question definitive termination occupation will in any event be reviewed by appropriate agencies here per State-Army agreement.

Lovett

1. Signed by Lt. Gen. A. C. Wedemeyer, Director, Plans and Operations, not printed.
2. Telegram Martel 109, November 6, 1 p. m., from Paris, stated: “Secretary concurs.” (740.00119 Control (Korea)/11–648)