795B.00/9–850: Telegram
The Ambassador in Korea (Muccio) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 9—1:15 a. m.]
169. National Assembly voted overwhelmingly September 6 request President dismiss Prime Minister-Defense Minister Sihn Sung Mo and Home Minister Chough Pyung Ok. President expected refuse.
Attack on Chough due to his arrest Assemblyman Kim Choon Tae (Embtel 124, August 151) at Taegu, charged with undercover Communist activity while Assembly in session and subsequent refusal release him. Assembly leaders claim concerned with constitutional [Page 712] immunities, not protection Communist, while Chough, President maintain dangerous release Communist agent while ROK fighting Communists, regardless immunities.
Assembly feeling against Sihn stronger than against Chough. Causes complex, partly from Sihn’s alleged unbending foreign ways, more important desire group including Lee Bum Suk, Yun Chi Yung, Louise Yim, General Kim Suk Won get power and probably Speaker Shin Ik Hi ambition become premier. Assembly hostility general for Sihn’s alleged failure warn them before he left Seoul and permitting General Chai prematurely blow Han bridge. Most recently Sihn’s relief Generals Kim Hong II and Kim Suk Won, for cause, by order General Walker being made political issue in Assembly where facts generally unknown and relieved generals are lobbying.
Embassy considers both Sihn, Chough doing outstanding jobs; also domestic quarrel this time possibly have serious external effects; has privately so indicated to Assembly leaders who appear impressed but whether they will take necessary measures stop movement from developing into open acrimonious legislative-executive battle unknown.
- Not printed.↩