Mann–Woodward files, lot 57 D 598, “Colombia”
The Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for United Nations Affairs (Wainhouse) to the Deputy Under Secretary of State (Murphy)1
confidential
[Washington,] March 31, 1954.
Subject:
- Logistic support for the Korean action.
I refer to Mr. Morton’s memorandum of March 242 in which he informed me and others in the Department that Defense “Will not wish [Page 810] to go ahead this session on the combined bill to authorize transfer of military equipment to the ROK and settlement with the participating UN countries for logistic support.” I suggest the following:
- 1.
- That Mr. Murphy telephone his counterpart in Defense with a view to getting a definite commitment from Defense that the Colombian Government would not be expected to pay more that the amount for which it has already been billed ($5,950,000).
- 2.
- I would urge, however, that we go ahead on legislation limited to UN participants (excluding ROKs) regardless of the response given to us by the Defense Department. While the problem of Colombian reimbursement is more immediate, there are other participants in Korea with whom negotiations are pending. Moreover, we should not lose sight of the fact that we are seeking legislation in order to implement the policy adopted by the NSC in July 1953. This policy has a two-fold purpose: (1) to permit reasonable settlements with participants in Korea at less than full reimbursement; and (2) “to obtain and retain the maximum contributions of effective manpower from nations allied with [the U.S.] in the effort of the UN to repel aggression in Korea.” This means that we would want to have flexibility in offering financial inducements to present or future participants in Korea in order to maintain the present line or to increase UN contributions in the event of a renewal of aggression.
- 3.
- In the event we decide not to seek legislation, the Department should consider the advisability of informing the NSC that the policy adopted in July 1953 cannot be implemented under present circumstances.
- 4.
- I understand that there is a cleared State Department draft of legislation3 limited to UN members which would be appropriate for submission immediately. Moreover, UNA and E have prepared a draft letter of transmittal3 which could be sent with slight modification by the Department to the Vice President with a view to having the bill considered in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.