357.AD/7–351
The Secretary of State to the Secretary of Defense (Marshall)
My Dear Mr. Secretary: Thank you for your letter of July 3, 1951, concerning the relationship between the United Nations Korean Reconstruction Agency and the United Nations Command. I believe, [Page 769] with you, that the agreed solution affords adequate protection to the integrity of General Ridgway’s command and satisfies the urgent need for some arrangement making it possible for the United Nations Korean Reconstruction Agency to commence its activities in the near future.
Attached is a copy of the letter which was sent by the Department of State to Mr. Kingsley on July 11. You will observe that a sentence has been added to the next to the last paragraph, affirming the final authority and control of the Commander-in-Chief of the United Nations Command. By telegram of July 16, Mr. Kingsley has stated his complete acceptance of the proposals made in the letter of July 11.
I concur in the importance of adequate funds to finance civilian relief in Korea, as pointed out in your letter. The Department of State will seek to avoid any action which might result in putting the Department of Defense in the position of having to request funds from UNKRA or having to invite the participation of UNKRA in current operations where its participation would not be desirable from a military point of view.
The memorandum to the President in which you also concurred in your letter of July 3, 1951, has required certain revisions in view of the time elapsed since it was originally prepared.
It is now under consideration by officers of our respective departments, and of the Economic Cooperation Administration. The concurrence of the Department of Defense will be obtained to all changes made in it.
Sincerely yours,