740.00119 Control (Korea) /5–1949: Telegram
The Ambassador in Korea (Muccio) to the Secretary of State
567. Following is text joint statement by Minister Foreign Affairs and Minister Defense issued here this afternoon.
“It is reported that the United States forces in Korea are withdrawing because the President of Korea has agreed to the withdrawal of US forces. At this time it should be made clear what the President of this government meant when he agreed with the idea of the withdrawal of troops from Korea by the United States. What the President meant was this: The United States created the 38th parallel jointly with USSR—The United States will feel the responsibility both from moral and political standpoints. With regard to the situations in the Far East it is understood that the United States should be assured of the adequate defense of the Republic of Korea before they withdraw their forces from Korea. They should not consider withdrawing the American forces until this obligation has been fulfilled. The President did not mean that they should withdraw until this has been fulfilled. Democracy is based on the moral sensibilities of the peoples while they deal with each other. Korea sincerely expects a great democratic nation such as the United States will not hesitate to fulfill its moral obligations.
“The government of the Republic of Korea has submitted to the authorities of the United States its minimum requirement that its [Page 1031] defense forces need. We hope the latter will cooperate with the government of the Republic of Korea in accordance with urgency and need of the Far East. According to dependable information USSR has made agreement with the puppet government in North Korea to completely arm 6 divisions of infantry and 3 divisions of motorized troops to provide 20 patrol boats, fast destroyer 100 fighter planes 20 bombers and 100 reconnaissance planes; and to fulfill armed police forces the United States should at least provide the corresponding measures for the Republic of Korea.”
Sent Department, repeated CINCFE.