895.248/12–749
The Ambassador in Korea (Muccio) to the Secretary of State
No. 777
[Received December 21.]
Sir: I have the honor to refer to my telegram no. 1473, December 7,1 and previous correspondence on the subject of United States air assistance to the Republic of Korea, and to transmit herewith a copy of a letter, dated December 2, 1949, which I have received from President Rhee, making an official request for the extension of the United States military aid program to include development, supply, training and advising the Korean Air Force.2 Details of the request are set forth in an attached memorandum3 which, as the Department is aware, was prepared by Brig. Gen. Russell E. Randall, U.S. Air Force, who came to Korea at the request of President Rhee to discuss with him the question of the Korean Air Force. President Rhee’s request for air assistance differs from the recommendations presented by Gen. Randall apparently only to the extent that President Rhee substituted three C–47s or C–46s for the three C–39s recommended by Gen. Randall for [Page 1106] acquisition and asked for 24 anti-aircraft guns for the defense of Seoul and Inchon.
Reasons are set forth in the enclosure to the President’s letter for the strengthening of the Korean Air Force, and with these I agree. As indicated in my telegram no. 1473, December 7, I feel that the President’s request is a modest one, except that I cannot see the need at this time for the six long-range reconnaissance aircraft (B–25s). Also, I believe that the Korean Air Force could get along adequately with three C–47 or C–46 transport aircraft rather than the nine requested by President Rhee. My views in this respect are shared by the Chief, KMAG, and the Air Attaché.
My recommendations regarding air personnel requirements are set forth fully in my telegram no. 1473, December 7.4 My recommendations in this respect are shared by the Chief, KMAG, and the Air Attaché.
Should the United States Government find it desirable and possible to supply the aircraft recommended, the question of the cost and the source of the funds therefor will, of course, arise. It is my hope that some way will be found to provide the aircraft outside the scope of the 10.23 million dollars allocated to Korea under the MDAP program, for all that sum will be needed for the urgent requirements of the Korean Army. If the United States Government is willing only to supply the aircraft out of the MDAP allotment to Korea and at present replacement costs, then I am inclined to recommend that the Republic of Korea consider the purchase of such aircraft from dealers out of its own foreign exchange resources, provided the aircraft are available at reasonable prices.
I should be glad to have the Department’s comment regarding ways and means by which suitable aircraft could be obtained by the Republic of Korea at the lowest possible cost.
Respectfully yours,
- Not printed, but see footnote 4, below.↩
-
President Knee’s letter, not printed, read in part:
“… In presenting this request for the consideration of the United States Government, I wish to reiterate that the Korean Government has neither the ambition nor the intention to develop or to use an air force for aggressive purposes. Our sole concern is the security and defense of the Republic against unprovoked attack.…”
↩ - Not printed.↩
-
The pertinent portion read as follows:
“… I recommend following air officers and men be attached KMAG:
- (a)
- Officers: 1 senior air advisor with air command and staff experience to act as tactical advisor. 1 technical advisor. 1 service, supply and maintenance officer. 3 flight instructors.
- (b)
- Airmen: 1 armament technician. 1 communications technician. 3 airplane mechanics. 2 radio mechanics. 1 depot maintenance man. 1 aircraft electrician. 1 propeller mechanic. 1 photographic technician.” (895.248/12–749)