501.BB Korea/2–1849: Telegram
The Chargé of the American Mission in Korea (Drumright) to the Secretary of State
164. In course informal conversation this morning, Wertheimer, principal secretary UNCOK, sounded us out confidentially on desirability and practicability of sending foreign military observers to Korea to carry out much same functions as those performed by military observers attached Balkan and Kashmir commissions. In broaching subject, Wertheimer was careful to point out proposal had not been submitted to UNCOK or discussed in its deliberations to date.
2. We replied we had no instructions or information regarding attitude our government on this subject and must therefore confine ourselves to expressions of personal and informal views. Within this framework, we expressed view that if UNCOK decided in light its investigations situation to recommend despatch foreign military observers, we doubted our government would oppose such recommendation and might in fact positively support it. We then observed if US and Soviet troops were withdrawn, with unity not yet achieved between north and south, presence of such foreign observers might introduce stabilizing element and possibly contribute to prevention of all-out civil war. We then suggested that if proposal were indeed discussed by UNCOK, it seemed to us Korean Government should be invited to express its views at some appropriate juncture.
3. In concluding conversation, Wertheimer specifically requested we endeavor seek US Government’s views on despatch of foreign observers to Korea. We merely replied we would convey his request to Department for its consideration.
Sent to Department, repeated to SCAP.