Office of the Historian

795.00/8–451: Telegram

The Ambassador in Korea (Muccio) to the Secretary of State

secret
Pusan, August 4, 1951—6 p. m.

123. Is interesting to note two recent public statements by Fon and Def Mins denying they ordered Gen Paik to withdraw Kaesong talks. [Page 785] We assume Pres Rhee, after leaking story to UP, requested Mins, who at forward area at time, to issue statements denying truth of story. This typical Rhee tactic in sitn where he desirous spread story but same time deny he or his govt behind it.

Whole incident was based on objection to any agreement on 38th Parallel, which Rhee knew at time UN del not even considering. Having been talked out of ordering Gen Paik withdraw, he probably considered publicity wld at least point up once again Kor objections to 38th and by threatening allied solidarity might help maintain UN del’s stiff attitude on issue.

Sihn Sung-Mo’s1 Aug 2 mission conveying Gen Ridgway’s objections to conflicting orders sent Paik and concern lest Rhee’s attitude toward armistice negots harm UN solidarity apparently had little influence on Rhee’s mind. Sihn told me after seeing Rhee he had rather cold reception. Rhee commented at end, “so they’ve taken you into their camp in three weeks”.

I believe Secy’s strong statement at his last press conference further clarifying our stand that 38th Parallel cannot be accepted as basis for buffer zone has again come at timely moment.2 I am hopeful no further trouble on Gen Paik’s participation in talks will arise.3

Sent Dept 123; rptd info Tokyo 46.

Muccio
  1. Head of the Korean Diplomatic Mission in Japan.↩
  2. Mr. Acheson made this observation at his news conference on August 1.↩
  3. On August 3, General Paik transmitted a letter to General Ridgway indicating that President Rhee had instructed him to continue attending the peace talks regardless of their outcome, with the definite understanding that his presence in no way indicated Korean acceptance of any agreement which might be reached during the talks. Such acceptance would have to be left to a decision of the Government of the Republic of Korea. (Copy of letter embodied in telegram 147, August 11, from Pusan; 795.00/8–1151)↩