795B.13/11–450: Telegram
The Chargé in Korea (Drumright) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 4—2:51 p. m.]
335. Embtel 329, and 331, November 3,1 on rejection of George Paek as Prime Minister. Rejection of Paek by National Assembly by secret vote 100 against, 21 for, and 2 abstaining, came after motion for brief consideration was ignored.
Overwhelming rejection of Paek, who is generally regarded as able and honest, can be attributed mainly to deep-seated Assembly hostility to Rhee and his Cabinet and to selfish political maneuvering. Another factor militating against Paek was suddenness with which Rhee presented his name. Although it appears Kim Sung So (leader of DNP) [Page 1043] and perhaps Shinicky were apprised of Rhee’s intention evening of second, Pack’s nomination came as surprise to most Assemblymen. There was thus no real attempt by administration to lobby in favor of Paek.
Embassy understands that at Cabinet meeting yesterday afternoon decision was taken to resubmit Paek’s name, possibly within a few days time.
Open hostility between National Assembly and Rhee is further evidenced by introduction in Assembly today of resolution reportedly supported by 85 Assemblymen calling for resignation of entire Cabinet. Resolution was presented directly to presiding vice chairman, Chang Taek Sang who called for vote whether discussion should be initiated immediately or postponed until November 6. After two indecisive votes consideration of resolution was deferred to sixth.2
- Neither printed. Telegram 331 reported that Acting Prime Minister Sihn Sung Mo had confidentially informed the American Embassy that he had urged upon President Rhee the reconstitution of the Korean Cabinet, tendered his own resignation, and suggested as his replacement Minister of Education George Paek, pointing out that Paek was able, honest, patriotic, and a native of North Korea. (795B.13/11–350)↩
- Telegram 346, November 7, from Seoul, not printed, reported that the National Assembly had voted overwhelmingly in view of the seriousness of the war situation, to postpone a decision on the resolution calling for the resignation of the Cabinet. During the debate, several Ministers were severely criticized for their conduct in office since the outbreak of fighting. (795B.13/11–750)↩