320/12–151: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in France
Gadel 393. Re Korea, Delgas 464 and 465.1 You are authorized hold [Page 1283] tentative discussions on basis fol, indicating US positions still under consideration. We doubt desirability discuss with Sov, however, prior achievement armistice or at least final stages armistice negotiations.
1. SC Action.
Dept recognizes there will be strong desire other Dels for SC res approving armistice along lines Alternative I, Delga 465. As indicated, Deptel 75, Aug 4 to USUN, and discussion position paper Korean item, Dept prepared go along on two step program with preliminary res by SC fol by GA res, but, for reasons given, we feel SC action shld preferably refer previous SC res Korea. If friendly Dels feel strongly, res wld be acceptable to Dept even if it did not go as far as Alternative II, Delga 465; Dept wld accept res generally along lines Alternative I but wld prefer addition preamble para referring previous SC res included. Possible draft such res might be
“The Security Council
“Recalling its resolutions of June 25, June 27 and July 7, 1950;
“Having considered the report from the Unified Command dated -------;
“Notes with approval the terms of the armistice contained in this report and expresses its profound satisfaction that hostilities in Korea have been brought to an end on a basis consistent with the principles of the United Nations and the resolutions of this Council;
“Requests the General Assembly to consider the measures which should now be taken to bring about a final settlement in Korea in accordance with the principles and objectives of the United Nations.”
Final Dept decision on SC res wld, of course, have to take into account views other Dels.
In preliminary discussion other Dels, you shld emphasize US acquiescence in SC action is concession view other Dels and is conditioned on commitment other Dels fol up with acceptable GA res.
2. GA Action.
Contents desirable GA res contained in position paper Korean item as amended Gadel 151.2 In addition, GA might express appreciation UN forces, but Dept concerned that proposed res shld not give impression mission UN forces in Korea accomplished with armistice, in view probable continuing necessity maintaining substantial UN forces in Korea. At same time, res shld not commit forces remain indefinitely in Korea.
As indicated original position paper Korean item, Dept believes Korean problem shld be solved by parties in interest (including ROKs, [Page 1284] NKs, Chi Commies), with UN participation. UN shld be represented by small group, including US, from among nations participating in fighting in Korean action.
Changes in position paper transmitted Gadel 151 not intended alter basic concept position paper. Primary task body to be established by GA to represent UN in seeking Korean settlement, continues to be discussion and negotiation with all interested parties in effort achieve agreement on Korean settlement. Changes in paper intended only (a) to offer Sov place UN body rather than as Govt for UN to negotiate with, so as to avoid objection that Sov excluded from UN body, or, on other hand, that it given special role other than as UN memb; and (b) to make procedure more flexible so that UN body cld deal with all parties either simultaneously, as originally intended, or separately if that seems preferable. Comm cld have headquarters in NY and need only travel as appropriate to effectively carry out its terms ref.
Dept does not, therefore, consider function Comm one of “good offices” Delga 464; it wld represent affirmative UN interest and shld be able make proposals which wld command agreement countries whose consent or acquiescence essential to Korean settlement and wld assure subsequent approval by UN. For these reasons also, Dept does not consider desirable single “mediator” to seek settlement in Korea. Idea of individual expert to represent UN is question so fraught political difficulties appears unrealistic; proposal wld also be objectionable other Dels as excluding all other Govts from voice in exploration political settlement. Individual mediator wld not adequately represent UN interests and cld not deal with questions related to political settlement in which Govts have major interest, e.g., withdrawal of forces, supersession armistice agreement. Also, individual US national wld accentuate clash US–Sov interests Korea and make political settlement that much more difficult.
Re UNCURK, on further consideration Dept concluded it undesirable have UNCURK continue while new Comm functioning. In addition to objection proliferation Comms, creation new body without terminating UNCURK wld be considered major affront to latter. Dept contemplates that in light report new Comm, whether or not it achieves agreement for political settlement, Assembly will determine what political representation UN shld have in Korea thereafter.
Subject to recommendation 5 in position paper, draft res which Dept wld like to see wld run along fol lines:
“The General Assembly
“Recalling the resolutions of the Security Council of June 25, June 27 and July 7, 1950 and the resolutions of the General Assembly of October 7, 1950, February 1, 1951 and May 18, 1951;
“Noting the resolution of the Security Council of;
[Page 1285]“Notes with approval the armistice agreement set forth in the report of the Unified Command dated which confirms that the armed attack against the ROK has been repelled, that the fighting has come to a halt, and that a major step has been taken towards the full restoration of international peace and security in the area;
“Expresses the appreciation of the peoples of the world to the heroic forces of the members of the United Nations which have successfully fought and sacrificed on behalf of the principles of the Charter, and which continue to serve in Korea pending the full restoration of international peace and security in the area;
“Reaffirms that the objectives of the United Nations continue to be the full restoration of peace and security in the area and the establishment of a unified, democratic and independent Government in Korea;
“Appoints a Commission, consisting of the representatives of -------, to ascertain the facts of the situation and enter into discussions with governments and authorities as appropriate regarding a basis for a political settlement in Korea and for the achievement of a unified, democratic and independent Korea by peaceful means, and to report to the General Assembly as appropriate;
“Expresses its appreciation to the Members of UNCURK for their services and requests UNCURK to continue its functions until the Commission created by this resolution informs it that it is ready to assume its responsibilities.”