795.00/7–1550: Telegram
The Ambassador in Korea (Muccio) to the Secretary of State
priority
[Received July 16—4:17 a.m.]
43. ROK Government establishing Taegu. Following now here: President, Foreign Minister, Home Minister, Finance Minister, Educational [Page 400] Minister, Communications Minister, Commerce Minister, Agricultural Minister, Transportation Minister, Social Affairs Minister, Public Health and Welfare Minister, Directors Bureaus Administration, Public Information. Prime Minister-Defense Minister expected here today but possibly returning Taejon. Except Finance Minister who established at Bank Chosun, all ministers established Provincial Government building; hoping persuade disperse office enable conduct more normal government business instead congregating together devoting attention war news.
Home Minister Paek Sung Ok replaced today by Chough Pyung Ok, former chief national police USAMGIK. Chough’s ability, energy courage expected have excellent effect leading police, including antiguerilla operations, this crisis. Paek proved utterly incapable. Director Public Information Clarence Ryee being given “sick leave” sent Pusan owing incompetence; Foreign Minister Ben Limb unofficially being given additional duty Director Public Information, will work closely with Stewart, who informally recommended his designation.
Ever since Embassy persuaded President leave Taejon, President has been insisting on returning, both to head government and show self to people near front for morale purposes. President was stopped Taegu July 9 by my advice but strongly against his will; since then has been most insistent upon returning Taejon. Today General Walker persuaded President his presence, activities Taegu more helpful war effort than return Taejon; President appears accept this advice.
Chief Staff Chung Il Kwan promoted Major General, easing his command position relative other major generals, especially “Flk” Chaf [“Fat” Chae?]1 who has shown reluctance accept Chung’s orders. Chung probably will maintain headquarters Taegu near General Walker’s headquarters, but for morale purposes of Korean army likely spend most time advance headquarters at Kumchon, or forward. ROK considerable concern lest psychological support Korean people be undermined by appearance retreat Korean Army command and government, causing either popular indifference or resurgence guerilla warfare and subversion.
Repeated information Tokyo unnumbered.
- Presumably the reference is to Gen. Chae Byong Duk, whom Chung had replaced as Chief of Staff of the ROK Army.↩