795B.5614/12–1250
The Deputy Under Secretary of State (Matthews) to the Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Foreign Military Affairs and Assistance (Burns)
My Dear General Burns: Dr. John M. Chang, the Korean Ambassador to the United States, in several recent conversations with Mr. Rusk, Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs, at the instance of his Government has urged the importance, in the light of the current military situation in Korea, of arming the so-called Korean Youth Corps. The Ambassador has stated that this Youth Corps now numbers some 500,000 young men who he claims are only too eager to come to the defense of their country and to participate actively in military operations against the Chinese Communists. He has repeatedly emphasized that this additional potential manpower would not be an inconsiderable factor in redressing the military balance in Korea if the United States could provide sufficient small arms with which to equip them.
From a political standpoint, the Department of State recommends that favorable consideration be given this proposal provided that arms were given only to these Korean youths after they have been formed into organized units under the control and discipline of the military authorities in Korea.
Sincerely yours,