795.00/10–1850: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Korea
priority
215. To Muccio. Ref Deptel 214 Oct 18. Dept seriously concerned over Seoul UP press Oct 17 quoted No. 210, Oct 18.1 If this press report has basis in fact and if Rhee insists upon outright defiance of principles laid down by UN looking toward effective and equitable solution to problem unification Kor through orderly processes, US Govt will be placed in position where it will be increasingly difficult if not impossible to continue its support and defense of Rhee administration in UN and elsewhere against pressure, in many quarters, for holding new elections throughout Kor. Dept has consistently sought to support principle that, since status ROK Govt already defined by UNGA, validity elections held by it under UNCOK observation shld not now be questioned.
Members of Interim Comite were particularly incensed over press despatch under ref and it was only with great difficulty that the US Del succeeded in preventing IC from taking precipitate action. Repetition of such reports wld unquestionably create a situation prejudicial to Govt ROK interest.
If facts bear out news despatch, suggest you urgently discuss with Pres grave dangers inherent in any line of arbitrary action which cld conflict with UN policy toward Kor and point out to him that such [Page 980] course will seriously undermine position we have adopted in supporting him in UN and elsewhere. In addition we fear that such action on his part will tend to alienate friendly world opinion toward ROK.
Pls inform Dept urgently results any discussions which you may have with Rhee re foregoing.
If you consider that Rhee likely continue act in disregard UN policy on unification, suggest you consult with Gen MacArthur as to what steps might be taken by him as CINCUNC with responsibility for administration NK to prevent unwarranted exercise of ROK authority north of 38th parallel. Dept considers it of utmost importance that UN receive full and complete cooperation of Kors in program for future. Present is critical time in UN deliberations on problem when hasty or ill-considered actions by ROK cld have most disastrous effect.
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The portion of the telegram under reference quoted as follows the UP despatch from Seoul:
“Synghman Rhee, President of South Korea, said today his government is sending civil administrators into liberated areas of North Korea, despite United Nations action to limit his authority to the South.
“‘The Korean people have a sovereign right to set up their own government’, he said.
“Rhee criticized adoption of a U.N. Korean interim commission resolution restricting activities of his government to the area south of the 38th parallel and calling for nation-wide elections. He said he believed the Koreans were being sabotaged in the U.N.
“He admitted he is sending governors for five northern provinces. They were appointed by Rhee and have been functioning in Seoul for the last two years.
“‘This is only a temporary measure’, he said. ‘If the governors are unpopular with the people or unfit for their jobs, they will be replaced’, he added.” (795.00/10–1850)
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