795.00/7–751: Telegram
The Ambassador in Korea (Muccio) to the Secretary of State
21. Local anti-cease-fire campaign reached new heights when Pusan paper carried in two installments July 4 and 5 open letter to Pres. Truman. This not only violently attacked cease-fire idea but constituted scurrilous attack on President personally, calling him interalia “cowardly”. (Text being airpouched).1 ROK office of public info yesterday issued release1 disclaiming official nature of article though writer employee that office.
I today protested this attack in strong terms to PriMin, stressing absolute necessity cooperation in endeavor reach common goal. I remarked that apology tendered by OPI chief yesterday and PriMin’s offer to make official public apology would not redress harm done. He has since phoned me that author of attack has been dismissed and that FonMin is sending me official apology.
[Page 636]While I am hopeful incident will not be reported foreign press, OPI release and mention in yesterday’s Natl Assembly session has focussed some attention on it. Advising Dept for background.