995B.61/6–551: Telegram
The Ambassador in Korea (Muccio) to the Secretary of State 1
1010. Pass Tokyo. We took up with Pres Rhee subj Deptel 911 May 31. He was most contrite and promised be more careful in future. He stressed he was frequently misquoted that he had no intention giving impressions often times conveyed in US press and that he hoped Dept realized there were no divergencies between his govt and ours with respect to ROK Army. He referred to recent Drew Pearson statement that he felt ROK forces shld not be subordinate to UNC and said there was no semblance of truth in this. I pointed out danger involved giving off-the-cuff answers to carefully thought out questions by sharp correspondent and suggested whenever possible he ask for questions in advance and give written replies. Public statements attributed to him which gave impression of disunity cld create inestimable damage to common cause, particularly at time when US seeking obtain additional contributions from UN countries for fighting forces in Korea.
Pres Rhee asked what he cld do to set matters straight, suggesting some official statement on the subj, also possible letter to General Ridgway re Pearson statement. I told him I felt that damage had already been done and that follow-up wld do little good; that main object my call was to stress seriousness with which def authorities and Dept viewed his propensity for making ill-considered remarks and to urge caution in future. Pres Rhee indicated he wld do his best to comply. As this not first time I have cautioned him on handling of press am not too optimistic as to results this interview but hope for at least temporary improvement.
Sent Dept 1010, rptd info Tokyo 181.
- A copy of this message was sent by Mr. Rusk to Mr. Lovett on June 6.↩