Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Far East and Australasia, Volume VII, Part 2

501.BB Korea/2–1249: Telegram

The Chargé of the American Mission in Korea (Drumright) to the Secretary of State

confidential
priority

Seoul, February 12, 1949.

142. 1. UNCOK delegates who all present Seoul except El Salvador member have now met in several closed sessions and one open meeting which held this morning with President Rhee and members Korean cabinet present. In meetings to date UNCOK mainly preoccupied with problem of Korean unity and in this connection how to make contact with North Korea. Position adopted by UNCOK on this and other questions before Commission reflected in statement of policy quoted mytel number 140, February 12 and method of implementation set forth mytel number 141, February 12 reestablishment subcommittees.¹

2. Only other noteworthy UNCOK activity to date involved call of sub-committee I delegates on President Rhee and Cabinet February 11. It understood question of contact with North Korea war broached to Rhee and that he strongly opposed any attempt on part UNCOK make immediate direct contact with North Korea or pursue any course of action which might in any way be construed as according recognition North Korea regime. It understood several delegates headed by Australian Shaw favor immediate direct contact with North Korea by mail, telephone, radio, otherwise, with view gaining admission North Korea. However, at least one delegate considers this course of action unwise, it being his feeling North Korea must still be regarded as Soviet occupied and therefore UNCOK should arrange visit North Korea with or through Soviet Government in first instance.

3. I have not been formally approached by UNCOK or Korean Government for my views on knotty problem of how to arrange UNCOK admission to North Korea but anticipate I shall be so approached by next Monday or Tuesday² at latest. My view is UNCOK should not act precipitately re contact with North Korea and should initially engage in full consultation with Korean Government and undertake thorough observation of conditions in South Korea. Accordingly, if approached I propose express foregoing views unless instructed meantime to contrary.

4. During informal conversation with Korean Foreign Minister³ this morning I suggested desirability Korean Governments avoiding any public comment critical of UNCOK plan contact North Korea. I also took opportunity to express personal opinion more harm than good would come from any attempt on part Korean Government to restrict contact between UNCOK and non-official Korean individuals and organizations.

5. I would be grateful for any observation or instruction Department might care to issue re methods UNCOK might use to effect contact with North Korea for my own guidance and for possible use in solution of most critical question now confronting UNCOK and Korean Government.

Repeated SCAP 23.

Drumright

1. Neither telegram printed. By a resolution adopted on February 9, UNCOK established Sub-Committees I and II. Sub-Committee I was to concern itself with promoting unification of Korea, as part of which task it was to “make immediate contact with North Korea”; Sub-Committee II was directed to study the development of representative government in Korea. (See U.N. document A/936, p. 5.)
2. February 14–15.
3. Ben C. Limb.