795.00/5–2752: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Korea1
niact
877. To Lightner from Muccio. Urtels 1163, 1164 and 1169.2 See Rhee soonest to deliver personal msg from me as fols:
“In our last mtg before my departure3 I explained that Pres Truman personally concerned over polit situation in Korea and wished to have direct report from me on latest developments. That is why I have returned to Wash. Immed on arriving here I was presented with reports from the Emb and the UN of the even more disturbing actions reportedly involving use of force and coercion which officials ur Govt and personally controlled groups have taken in the last few days. This will be even more difficult for me to explain to Pres Truman. Furthermore members of press are already pressing me for explanations as to the significance of these actions and what effect they will have on [Page 252] Gen Van Fleet’s responsibilities for repelling aggression and maintaining security of UN forces.
As Pres Truman has asked me to see him Thurs morning4 I urge you to provide me through Mr. Lightner with such explanations as I may present to Pres Truman of the need for the recent actions and the steps being taken to restore order and stability.”
Pls send Rhee’s comments niact. FYI it is hoped that import of this msg may restrain Rhee from further actions and induce him correct situation. Fol Deptel5 contains additional steps for ur guidance. Suggest in ur discretion you inform Gens Clark and Van Fleet of this msg.
- This telegram was drafted by Muccio and Young and cleared with Allison and Johnson.↩
- These three telegrams from the U.S. Embassy in Pusan, dated May 27, 26, and 27, respectively, reported on the events of the ROK internal crisis, none printed (795.00/52752, 795.00/5–2652, and 795.00/5–2752, respectively).↩
- For a report of that meeting, see p. 228.↩
- May 29.↩
- The next telegram to Pusan which provided the kind of guidance described was 887, May 29, p. 264.↩