320/11–1551: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in France

secret

Gadel 151. Dept has revised recommendations 2, 3, and 4, position paper “UN Action in Korea, Alternative II—If Armistice Achieved”, SD/A/C.1/368,1 to read as fol:

“2. The United States shld support a res which wld reaffirm that it remains the purpose of the United Nations to seek to bring about by peaceful means a unified, independent and democratic govt in Korea. To that end, the res shld estab a new United Nations Comm. The terms of reference of the Comm shld be:

a.
The Comm shld consider, and enter into discussions with govts and authorities as appropriate regarding a basis for bringing about a unified, independent and democratic Korea by peaceful means,
b.
The Comm wld deal exclusively with a Korean polit settlement and wld have no authority to consider any other problem;
c.
The Comm wld report to the Gen Assembly, as appropriate. If it shld succeed in getting agreement of the interested parties to a plan for the unification of Korea consistent with United Nations principles, it wld submit this agreement for the approval of the Gen Assembly.

“3. In discussions re the composition of the Comm, prior to passage of the res, the United States shld proceed on the basis that the Comm shld be a small body capable of carrying out the negotiating function which is its primary task. The US Del shld make it clear that in view of the role of the US in the Korean conflict it shld be a member of the Comm. In addition, it wld be desirable to have three small countries from among those which have participated in the fighting in Korea, e.g., Thailand, Australia and Turkey; and the Soviet Union, if it will serve. If the Soviet Union is not willing to serve, its seat on the Comm might nevertheless be kept open. If informal discussions indicate that the United Kingdom and France strongly desire a place on the Comm the del is authorized to agree to including them.

“4. The res shld express the appreciation of the Assembly, to UNCURK for its services. UNCURK shld go out of existence when the new Comm informs it that it is ready to begin its functions under this Gen Assembly res. When the Assembly receives the report of the new Comm on the results of its efforts to bring about a peaceful settlement, the Assembly will review, in the light of that report, the need for long-term polit United Nations representation in Korea.”

Corresponding changes in Discussion will be air pouched. Views [Page 1136] Defense Dept not yet recd.2 In transmitting these changes at this time, no intention affect instrs contained Gadel 60.3

Webb
  1. Dated October 12, p. 1020.
  2. The source text of telegram Gadel 151 indicates that the drafting date was November 8, which presumably accounts for the fact that no mention is made of the views of the Department of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff as set forth in the letter from Mr. Lovett, dated November 10, p. 1111.
  3. Dated November 4, p. 1087.