501.BB Korea/5–449: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin 1)
us urgent
250. In response approach reported urtel 560 May 4 you shld inform Gen Romulo that recent thoroughgoing reappraisal Korean situation has led US Govt to decision that presence US occupation forces Korea no longer essential provided certain other forms assistance continued. Consequently, while preparing extend further econ technical and ltd mil assistance to ROK, US currently making preparations withdraw its troops accordance Dec 12 Res. That such withdrawal will in no sense connote lessening of US interest in ROK is evidenced by above-mentioned plans continuing assistance which include sizeable ECA program and augmentation and formalization Mil Advisory Group which has been in existence on provisional basis for over year. Although date for completion withdrawal still uncertain, US hopes all its mil forces except those comprising Mil Advisory Group can be withdrawn before midsummer.
Inasmuch Pres Rhee, in recent public statements and in conversations with Am Amb, has indicated he convinced time for removal US troops rapidly approaching, we find démarche reported by Phil rep UNCOK difficult understand.
US believes attitude UNCOK toward withdrawal shld be based on own independent judgment and wld hope such attitude wld not be at variance US view that early troop withdrawal not only possible but desirable.
Inform Romulo Dept sincerely appreciates his consideration in bringing this matter to our attention and soliciting our views thereon, which he will understand are given to him in all frankness and in strictest confidence.
If substance Dept’s circular airgram Mar 18, 8:15 a. m. not previously conveyed Romulo you may wish take this opportunity do so.
- This message was repeated to the Embassies in Seoul and Manila as telegrams 320 and 550, respectively.↩