890.20/8–1249: Telegram
The Ambassador in Korea (Muccio) to the Secretary of State
1016. In conversation with Rhee yesterday afternoon, I asked his impressions of Chinhae conversation. He stated they [the Chinese?] were “somewhat disappointed but they understood” Korean desire not to enter into exclusive pact with Chinese and Filipinos. Rhee stated he had proposed and Gimo had agreed that Quirino should take initiative in calling conference of like-minded Pacific powers. Rhee stated following Chinhae conference he and Gimo had sent joint message to Quirino in Washington1 to that end, but that to date no reply had been received. Rhee indicated that in initial stages at least proposed Pacific Union would not be expected to include either “British bloc or US”. He indicated that India would be welcome to join but he felt that Nehru’s attitude is negative.
Sent Department, repeated Manila 28, Canton unnumbered.
- See final paragraph of joint statement, supra.↩