795.00/12–4850: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Korea
467. Weekend press reports on ROK mass executions of Commie collaborators and Rhee statement ordering speedup red trials and executions view mil situation and lack prison facilities creating exceedingly bad reaction here and abroad. Suggest you informally approach Rhee immed, urge all possible moderation in imposition death sentences and point out adverse effect reports on world public opinion and on UN, particularly those UN members now directly aiding ROK. Continuation present course will give Commie propaganda most effective weapon in further splitting already divided views in UN re acceptability ROK as presently constituted.
Suggest continued efforts have ROK put in proper perspective if possible by further detailing numbers arrested, tried, freed, sentenced to prison, to death; outline of investigation procedures, methods of trials, protection of defendants rights etc. Only way to counter emotional press reporting wld be factual account this nature if facts support such action. Note press reports state UNCURK investigating.