611.95B/8–1050: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Korea (Muccio)
68. Fol is text of Pres Truman’s reply to Pres Rhee’s ltr to him of July 19:
“My dear Mr. President: I wish to acknowledge your kind letter of July nineteenth and, on behalf of the Amer people and myself, to convey to you our deep appreciation for the heartfelt sentiments which you have voiced. Free people everywhere share the concern [Page 554] which you have expressed both for the brave soldiers fighting for the UN and for their families who must endure suffering and sorrow. This is clearly demonstrated by the response to the resolutions of the SC regarding the aggression against the Republic of Korea.
As the might of the free world gathers momentum, it is my earnest hope that the Govt of Korea, the Korean people and all the forces engaged in the present effort will take courage and comfort in the knowledge that the overwhelming majority of the UN stands with you in this hour of trial. The sacrifices being made today will, I am certain, have their reward in ultimate victory.
It has always been the expressed policy of the US to support the independence and unity of Korea. It is the belief of this Govt that any permanent solution of the problem of the unification of Korea shld be reached within the framework of the several resolutions of the UN designed to accomplish this purpose. The US considers that the future of Korea is not to be underwritten by any one great power, hut holds, with the SC and with the GA, that it is a matter for determination by the UN and the Korean people. However, the first task to be accomplished is to repel the aggression which continues against the Govt and people of Korea. The US will therefore continue its present vigorous action in support of the UN SC resolutions regarding North Korean aggression.
Pls convey to the people of Korea my admiration for their steadfastness in the face of great adversity, my sympathy for their suffering and my assurance that the people and Govt of the US will not relax their endeavors on behalf of the Republic of Korea until peace and security are established in full accordance with the resolutions of the UN.
With assurances of my highest regard and personal good wishes, Very sincerely yours, (Sgd) Harry S. Truman”.
Original this ltr being airpouched for delivery Pres Rhee.1 Dept suggests no publicity be given this exchange of ltrs at this time.
- The text of President Truman’s letter, bearing the date August 8, was sent to Korea under cover of instruction No. 5, August 16, with instructions for its delivery to President Rhee (611.95B/8–1050).↩