890.20/7–2949: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Korea
633. UP Seoul dispatch July 26 says it announced Chiang Kai-shek will come Korea “in near future” and adds observers believe “visit would bring much-discussed Pacific Pact nearer realization”.
Depcirtel July 20 1 a. m. outlined US views Chiang–Quirino proposal. Developments reactions other govts reported infotels. Additionally Austral cool NZ Govt says cool to any efforts draw NZ into pact with Natlist Chi. UK FonOff believes present threesome nucleus such as to “reduce whole thing to absurdity”. July 11 in response Chough’s1 inquiry re US support Pacific Pact Secy reviewed public statements added US not contemplating any further extension undertakings embodied Atlantic Treaty. Thai officials told Emb Bangkok Thailand wld not enter mil alliance under proposed Pact. July 26 Pres instructed Dept transmit invitation Quirino visit him, having recd explicit assurances from Quirino of intention divorce visit from Chiang–Quirino mtg. It suggested Quirino he publicly state before leaving no connection between Washington visit and Chiang mtg and he not intending raise matter in US.
Dept believes new Chi Amb to Korea,2 who close adherent Gimo, likely concentrate his considerable abilities on promotion Pacific Union project. Anticipate he may endeavor hasten Korean public commitment to present proposal in effort give Union semblance reality before it becomes inescapably evident to all concerned that Natlist Chi, far from being positive force in FE, constitutes polit and mil liability which would foredoom Union to failure. This connection Off Emb Canton estimates fall Canton by mid-Aug and reports unfavorable mil developments Szechuan have forced Chi Govt review decision remove capital Chungking.
While aware Rhee already invited Chiang visit Korea and while not proposing he be persuaded renege, if occasion arises discuss proposed Union or Chiang visit you might in your discretion informally make fol points:
- 1.
- Secy has given definitive answer on question US support Pacific Pact from which position US not likely to be moved by maneuvers which appear designed extract mil commitments.
- 2.
- While we sympathetic to efforts Asian nations cooperate own mutual advantage, inclusion Natlist Chi wld saddle proposed Union at inception with mil problem it cannot hope to solve.
- 3.
- We fear hard and fast commitments to present proposal may prove embarrassing to ROK when above considerations become more generally recognized.
- 4.
- It will not have escaped Rhee that great part difficulty Dept’s present efforts secure passage Korean aid bill arises from desire certain members Cong tie Korean problem to deteriorating situation in Chi. Dept trying dissociate these problems and persuade Cong it to our interest enact Korean aid program on own merits. In these circumstances Korean initiative associate itself with Natlist Chi may be expected increase difficulties passage Korean program.