694.001/8–2451: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Republic of Korea
priority
165. Request in ur discretion you discuss fol with Pres Rhee. Amb Yu Chan Yang has presented to Amb Dulles ROK views on its attendance at SF Conf for signing Peace Treaty with Japan. Circumstances with which ROK is familiar do not permit US Gov to issue invitation to ROK to be signatory to treaty. However, in view attendance at SF of Sov Del and possibility that Sov Del may attempt exploit forum of Conf to spread propaganda and for other purposes derogatory to conclusion of treaty and inimical to interests of ROK and US, it might be wise for ROK to have rep present in SF even though not in any formal capacity. Great advantage might, in the development of the Conf, accrue to ROK and to dels of other friendly Govts. If ROK decides have rep present in SF, we wld be glad to assist in arranging facilities and other courtesies.1
- In telegram 189 from Pusan, August 25, Ambassador John J. Muccio stated in part: “FonMin [Pyun Yung Tai] stated tel dispatched Amb Yang yesterday informing him he designated represent ROK Govt San Francisco and that Col Ben Limb was to be his alternate. Both Mins relieved to learn Dept now favors ROK informal representation San Francisco.” (694.001/8–2551)↩