Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Korea, Volume XV, Part 1

FE files, lot 55 D 128: Telegram

The Ambassador in Japan (Murphy) to the Department of State

secret
priority

Tokyo, September 1, 1952—5 p.m.

777. Personal for Matthews. Clark and I have discussed Deptel 605,¹ and he is sending two messages to JCS² today in one of which he expressed certain reservations re wisdom of President making statement under circumstances mentioned Deptel and in other an outline of procedure he suggests for Panmunjom.

It seems to us that appeal by Progressive Party candidate in line with Daily Worker article shld arouse greatest suspicions that Presidential statement wld gratify Commie purpose. Character of source wld seem to condemn appeal per se. When we respond to this type of indirect irresponsible proposal, we are usually thrown back for a loss.

I hestitate to volunteer unasked for suggestion but I wld like to make the point that the devastating effect on North Korean and Chinese morale of the fact weeks of heavy bombardment is operating to provide a far better basis for UN truce negots than ever before. This is borne out by current intelligence which is being reported by Clark. I am convinced that Hallinan appeal and Daily Worker article are direct reflection of this improved condition. I am not certain everyone fully aware extent this favorable solution. Clark is emphasizing it in his two messages to JCS today.

If actual developments on field are running in our favor as heavily as I believe they are, wld it not be wiser to await proposal from an official Commie source than to display overeagerness responsive to an appeal from a discredited Commie sympathizer just released from prison?³

I am sure you have many facts before you not available to me and I hope you will understand my interjecting the reference to one feature which seems of such importance here.

Murphy

1. The telegram under reference, Aug. 29, sent to Tokyo, repeated telegrams 206 to Moscow and 385 from Moscow, pp. 463 and 464, respectively.
2. The messages were C 54495, infra, and C 54499, p. 470.
3. Hallinan, nominated to be the Progressive Party’s Presidential Candidate at the Party’s convention in Chicago, July 4–6, 1952, was released on Aug. 17, 1952 from Federal penitentiary where he had served 5 months for contempt of court. The Progressive Party’s candidates were also endorsed by the Communist Party of the United States.