795.00/2–2351: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Gifford) to the Secretary of State
4595. Australian High Commissioner has informed Foreign Office of receipt of message from Australian Ambassador Washington reporting conversation with Secretary Rusk in which latter was quoted as stating he foresees two alternatives for Korea: (a) Unification by agreement which would probably lead to eventual seizure of power by Commies throughout Korea or (b) Reversion to status quo ante June 25. Of these two alternatives, Rusk said to have indicated preference for (b).
In Foreign Office thinking alternative (a) would be preferable as honorable settlement if it could be acccomplished without military defeat. In long term, UK feels effect in Korea would be the same, as reversion to status quo would merely reopen ROK to Communist penetration. Foreign Office inquires informally whether views expressed by Rusk, as reported by Australian Ambassador, represent official US views or, as more likely, Rusk’s informal thinking.