795.00/10–1850: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Korea
priority
214. To Muccio. Re msg from Gen MacArthur to Pres Truman transmitting, with comment bearing your concurrence, text tel from Pres Rhee.1 Fol are Dept’s comments:
From other tels reed here, it appears Rhee’s concern re Resolution adopted Oct 12 by Kor Interim Comite may have been partially occasioned by incomplete info.
View here is that only two fundamental questions possible issue between UN and GOK are:
- (1)
- Immediate and automatic extension authority GOK to territory north of 38th parallel and
- (2)
- Holding of new elections throughout all Kor.
With regard first point, UN and US are in agreement that jurisdiction GOK does not automatically extend over North Kor and, therefore, it is function of UN Comm to arrange for election and other constituent acts required to unify the country. For Interim Comite Resolution is essentially concerned with assignment provisional responsibility for govt those parts of Kor not hitherto recognized by UN as being under effective control GOK. Interim Comite Resolution unanimously advised Unified Command assume this responsibility. Dept considers position Kor Interim Comite as expressed in Resolution compatible with previous resolutions and commitments UN re Kor.
Dept has noted neither Emb nor CINCFE in commenting on draft directive (WAR tel to CINCFE 93721, Oct 92) has raised objection to gen principle that Unified Command assume responsibility of govt north of 38th parallel pending further consideration this problem and consultation among several authorities involved.
Recommendations Interim Comite Resolution provide basis for Unified Command assume this responsibility and are expressly indicated as being of provisional character pending arrival in Kor of UNCURK which is to consult Rhee these matters and to subj them detailed study on spot.
Certainly no intention “protect and revive Communism in north”. On contrary, Interim Comite Resolution seeks to assure close supervision by members of forces serving under Unified Command in Kor of all authorities established for civilian administration. This is contemplated in draft directive wherein NK civilian authorities now functioning wld be left in office only at discretion of CG, who wld consult with ROK and UNCURK. CG wld be authorized retain, remove, or appoint officials on all levels govt and directed dissolve so-called Democratic People’s Republic and prohibit all activities by groups which may be inimical to purposes UN occupation.
With regard questions of elections, Interim Comite Resolution does not touch upon question except in preambulatory second para which merely quotes Section 1, Para (b) of GA Resolution Oct 7 on Kor. Dept views re elections in ROK have been set forth in subsequent tel to USUN which is being rptd to you.3
Pres Rhee and other high officials of ROK will have ample opportunity discuss these matters in detail with UNCURK before any [Page 979] recommendations of definitive character reached by that body. Dept hopes you will be able persuade Pres Rhee of advantages of calmness and moderation.