Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, Korea, Volume VII

357.AD/8–1150: Telegram

The United States Deputy Representative at the United Nations (Gross) to the Secretary of State

secret
priority

New York, August 11, 1950—10:45 p. m.
[Received August 11—11:13 p. m.]

266. Following tentative views of UNCOK were given us tonight by Cordier, UN, in strictest confidence with request for US reactions:¹

“A series of informal meetings have been held and on 5 August 1950 a number of recommendations were informally agreed upon as a basis for formal discussion at a later date after members have consulted their governments. (The member for El Salvador was not present at the discussions on 5 August.) These recommendations might be included in the report to the GA. It must be emphasized that these tentative recommendations should not be made known. However, you might consider communicating the text to certain delegations with the request that they expedite their instructions to their respective members on the Commission. Text of recommendations follows:

‘4 August 1950.

1. The Commission’s recommendations should include the following objectives:

I. Restoration and maintenance of peace and security in the area;

II. Unification of Korea in accordance with the will of the people so as to constitute one independent democratic state; and pending the establishment of constitutional authorities for unified Korea,

(a) To ensure that North Korea is not left in a position to renew its aggression at a later date, and

(b) Respect the sovereignty of the Republic of Korea as recognized by the GA and in defense of which the UN have taken action against the aggressor

2. To secure these objectives:

(a) Korea as a whole will be internationally guaranteed from aggression both from within and from without by a UN security force stationed within Korea until a duly constituted government for the whole of Korea has been established or for such longer period as the SC may deem necessary;

(b) A Government and national assembly for a unified Korea shall be established after general elections organized and conducted by the UN have been held throughout Korea;

(c) The elections will take place when a free and democratic atmosphere allowing the free expression of the will of the people has been created, and not less than 12 months after the cessation of hostilities;

(d) Upon the cessation of hostilities the government of ROK will resume its functions in the whole of the territory of South Korea;

(e) The commander of the UN security force assisted by a UN advisory commission appointed by the GA will,

(1) Assume full responsibility for the administration of North Korea;

(2) Consult with the ROK on problems common to the whole of Korea; assist and advise the ROK in maintaining internal security in promoting general harmony among the people and in ensuring a free and democratic atmosphere for the general elections;

(3) In particular be charged with the duty of ensuring that no arbitrary punitive measures in connection with acts committed prior to the cessation of hostilities are resorted to in Korea.

(f) An international tribunal shall be set up to try acts committed in violation of the Nuremberg principles affirmed by the GA;

(g) The functions and responsibilities specified in clauses (d) and (e) above will terminate when the government and national assembly of unified Korea assume their function;

(h) In order to assist the government of unified Korea in maintaining order and achieving economic and social stability the UN will maintain a commission of experts in Korea for the purpose of organizing and coordinating such technical assistance as may be required.’”²

Gross

1. Telegram 269, August 12, from New York forwarded the following message in elaboration of the communication contained in telegram 266:

   “Text quoted mytel 266 was from Renborg, principal secretary, UNCOK. It was enclosed in following letter from Cordier (UN) to Austin:

   ‘The SYG has asked that I transmit a copy of the communication I have received from Mr. Renborg, principal secretary, UNCOK.

   ‘You will notice from the communication that the Commission contemplates one inclusion of a series of recommendations in its report to the GA. The SYG and I agree that the policy of the UN with regard to the future of Korea is obviously in such a fluid state that it would be unwise to engage in precise recommendations with regard to it at this time. Furthermore, this question is of top importance to the membership of the UN and it is for that reason that we felt it advisable to transmit this communication to you.

   ‘We should be glad for an informal expression of your views on the matter at your convenience.’” (357.AD/8–1250)

2. The Department of State sent the following reply in telegram 168, August 19, 2 p. m., to New York:

   “Reurtel 206 Aug 11 you may inform Cordier our appreciation his furnishing text quoted and state that Dept has warmly welcomed opportunity examine it. However, in interest GA’s receiving wholly independent expression UNCOK judgment Dept prefers reserve comment at this time.” (357.AD/8–1150)