Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, East Asia and the Pacific, Volume XII, Part 1

751G.00/4–954

Memorandum of Conversation, by the Deputy Director of the Office of Northeast Asian Affairs (McClurkin)

secret

[Washington,] April 9, 1954.

Subject:

• Current Developments with respect to Indochina

Participants:

• His Excellency You Chan Yang, Ambassador of Korea
• Mr. Philip Han, Counselor of Korean Embassy
• Mr. Walter S. Roberston, Assistant Secretary, Far Eastern Affairs
• Mr. Robert J.G. McClurkin, Deputy Director, Northeast Asian Affairs

Ambassador Yang came in at Mr. Robertson’s request to discuss this subject.

Mr. Robertson said that the Secretary had asked him to tell Ambassador Yang and the Chinese Ambassador about the discussions which we have been having with other countries directly interested in the Indochina question. As President Eisenhower has publicly stated, to lose Indochina means to lose Southeast Asia, and the Free World must not stand by and see that happen. The time has therefore come for the development of the willingness and the means for decisive and united action by all countries concerned, in the event that the Communists continue their aggression. The United States has therefore been talking with Thailand, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, France and the U.K. in an effort to organize a united front to include those governments and of course the Associated States. Some of the other governments seem to be worried over details which have not yet been worked out. The Secretary and Mr. Robertson are therefore flying to London and Paris on April 10 for top-level conversations to seek agreement in principle to the necessity of a united front against Communist aggression in Southeast Asia.

Ambassador Yang commented that he was sure his government would be willing to join in any united action, and that the offer of a division for the Indochina conflict was still good.¹ Mr. Robertson said that this willingness of the ROK is greatly appreciated, but he emphasized the undesirability of weakening the ROK position in Korea at this time since ROK strength there is tying down Communist forces, just as Chinese strength on Formosa is doing.²

Mr. Robertson concluded by saying that we plan to continue these conversations from time to time in order to keep the ROK informed as the situation develops.³

1. For documentation concerning this offer, see vol. xiii, Part 1, pp. 1012 ff.

2. Telegram 806 to Seoul, Apr. 10, repeated for information to Tokyo, contains a résumé of this conversation and further instruction. The résumé reads in part:

   “By united front we mean nations in Southeast Asia should unite and use whatever means available oppose communism. Initially action contemplated is political action create community nations which might resort military means or any other means oppose communism. One indispensable factor is assured independence Associated States. No present plans include ROK, Chinese Nationalists or Japan although recognize these developments of great interest to them.

   “Foregoing for your information and use in confidential discussions President Rhee and other appropriate ROK officials.” (751G.00/4–1054)

3. In telegram 2254 to Tokyo, Apr. 10, the Department of State stated: “April 9 Department officer discussed Indochina developments with [Hiroto] Tanaka [First Secretary at the Japanese Embassy] at latter’s request. In general followed same lines as utilized by Robertson in talking with Yang. Please discuss subject confidentially with Foreign Office giving also additional information contained reference Deptel.” (751.G00/4–1054) The reference telegram is that quoted in footnote 2 above.