795.00/12–950: Circular telegram
The Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic and Consular Offices 1
priority
256. In view of uncertain military and political contingencies, it is not possible to plan far ahead in present Kor situation. Certain decisions can now be made, however, and in general, fol is current state of Dept’s thinking:
Pres and PriMin communiqué makes it clear that there is no thought of appeasement, that aggression must be resisted and that peoples of world, acting through UN must decide how principles of Charter can best be maintained.
The action in UN that we will seek and tempo of UN action will to a large extent depend on our ability to mobilize and maintain [Page 1487] unity of free world and their determination to stand firmly against aggression. Leadership that we must provide to this end must be in such a way and at such speed as will carry with us a willing and resolute community of nations.
Action in UN.
1. Cease Fire:
We have not asked for cessation of hostilities in Korea and have not encouraged others to initiate move for cease fire. We will of course accept cease fire if agreed to by Chi Commies but we would not agree at price of political strings or other dishonorable conditions. If cease fire is achieved we are prepared agree to discussion of Kor question with Chi Commies in appropriate forum with view to peaceful settlement. We cannot of course commit ourselves as to substance of our position on any questions that may be involved in such negotiations.
2. Six-Power Resolution:
At present US is pressing in Political Comite of GA 6-Power res which was vetoed by Sov in SC. This res sponsored in GA by same 6 Powers does not brand Chi Commies as aggressors, but calls upon them to get out of Korea. Res also affirms that it is policy of UN to hold present frontier with Korea inviolate and fully to protect legitimate Chi and Kor interests in frontier zone.
So long as Chi Commies are pressing their offensive against UN forces in Korea, adoption by GA of 6–Power res is minimum action that must be taken. This res, when overwhelmingly voted by GA, wld reassert unity of free world against aggression and in support of UN action in Korea. It wld underline principle of “Uniting for Peace” res, that Sov cannot by veto make UN impotent. Failure of UN to take action wld destroy its authority and its support among peoples of world, and particularly people of US.
We believe we must carry forward momentum in bringing this res to a vote in Comite and GA Plenary and not permit unwarranted delays. At same time we do not want to move so fast that other members will have basis believe that any opportunity for UN processes have been precluded. According to our present estimates the Comite shld reach vote on Dec 12 or, unless some indication of readiness for settlement by Chi Commie, at latest Dec 13.
If cease fire is agreed to we are of course prepared to suspend action on 6-Power res in GA pending outcome of any discussions or negotiations that may follow cease fire.
If hostilities continue we will continue fight in Korea in order discharge our responsibilities in accordance SC and GA res. If Chi Commies press their attack below 38th parallel in effort to drive UN forces into sea, further action by UN after adoption 6-Power res will be necessary. In light of appeal from Asiatic states we believe crossing 38th parallel by Chi Commies shld be treated as new and flagrant demonstration of aggression and evil design of reprehensible Chi [Page 1488] Commie leaders. In such circumstances with hope of peaceful settlement in Korea gone, reasons for treading softly and maintaining mild and conciliatory tone in UN will have largely disappeared. We will therefore seek support of nations which approved original UN action in Korea for resolution to brand Chi Commies as aggressors. Since UN branded NK as aggressors in June, it cld do no less with regard Chi Commies who are committing aggression not only against ROK but also against UN forces, and are also flouting authority of UN. We are still considering what other UN action shld be called for in such later res and we do not wish make that decision at this time in light uncertain military situation. We wld welcome views of other UN Members. To be effective, such GA action must command full support of dels of nations of free world.
Pls discuss foregoing with FonOff with view to getting their full support.
- Sent to Ankara, Athens, Bangkok, Belgrade, Brussels, Cairo, Canberra, The Hague, London, Manila, New Delhi, Oslo, Ottawa, Paris, Pretoria, Quito, Seoul, Stockholm, Taipei, the U.S. Mission at the United Nations, Wellington, and to Moscow for information.↩