501.BB Korea/7–1849: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Korea
606. Reurtel 881 July 18 Dept feels it shld be emphasized to appropriate Korean officials that, whatever may be facts concerning Choi’s affiliation SKLP, “maintaining too close liaison with UNCOK” cannot in our view be regarded by any civilized standards as constituting offense, however slight, against ROK. You shld point out that leveling of such “charge” will certainly be interpreted as affront to nations which voted Dec 12 GA Res establishing UNCOK and whose friendship ROK can ill afford to lose, and will tend to prejudice ROK case in forthcoming session GA. It shld also be emphasized that such arbitrary action serves to strengthen hands opponents pending Korean aid program and to make final approval that program that much more difficult.