740.00119 Control (Korea)/5–2649: Telegram
The Ambassador in Korea (Muccio) to the Secretary of State
607. 1. Defense Minister Sihn and Transportation Minister Huh called this morning and engaged me in conversation re US troop withdrawal. While they did not say so, I am convinced they came at bidding of President Rhee.
2. After considerable discussion they revealed purpose of call: Namely, inquiry whether it possible delay departure RCT for additional six months.
3. Defense Minister expressed belief withdrawal RCT at this time would be followed at once by North Korean invasion. He considered Korean Army not yet completely cleansed of subversives and maintained he needed few extra months for this purpose and for completion reorganization Korean Army which recently initiated. He also appeared to doubt whether Korean Army, as now constituted, trained, and supplied, is adequate to meet all-out invasion from north. In event concerted invasion, from north, he stated categorically, Korean Army [Page 1035] would need continuously replenished supply munitions from US sources. Both Ministers maintained people throughout South Korea uneasy over prospect completion US troop withdrawal and desired retention US forces now here.
4. I informed Ministers troop withdrawal program now too far advanced to be halted and must go forward. I stressed fact troop withdrawal implied no lessening of US support of or interest in Korea. I reviewed existing and projected aid programs and reminded Ministers KMAG being greatly strengthened streamlined. I expressed belief, which I said shared by several eminent ex-military officials, Korean Army well able handle security Korea. I expressed belief North Koreans could not risk all-out invasion South Korea, it would no doubt pursue current infiltration activities. I pointed to splendid record achieved by Korean Task Forces recently in Cheju and Chiri Mountains operations against guerrillas and said I confident security forces now well capable of coping with any such activity.
5. I went on to say I deplored publicity put out locally during past two weeks on subject troop withdrawal. I said it my view such publicity harmful in that it undermined Korean people’s confidence in Government and security forces and tended prejudice advancement Korean-US relations. I expressed opinion Korean publicity rather should stress recent achievements government and security forces and inculcate confidence among people.
6. It is my hope substance foregoing conversation will be passed on to Rhee by his Ministers. I propose to see Rhee during next day or two and convey similar views to him.