795B.5/8–150: Telegram
The Ambassador in Korea (Muccio) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 1—5:07 a. m.]
98. Question has been raised informally re authority US equipment and support for Korean Army beyond 65,000. Considering importance Koreans themselves making largest possible contribution manpower to military effort as means both defeating Communists and saving American lives and probability that after end major operations North Korean Guerrillas will continue fight mountain areas considerable time for whose suppression Korean Troops should be used to greatest possible extent, I recommend US or United Nations arming largest possible number able-bodied Korean soldiers who can be trained and who considered necessary by General MacArthur without regard to prewar 65,000 limitation.
General Walker concurs.
Repeated information Tokyo unnumbered.