FE files, lot 55 D 338, “South Korean Attitude Toward Armistice, May 1953”
The Chief of Staff United States Army (Collins) to the Commander in Chief Far East (Clark)1
top
secret
emergency
emergency
Washington, May 30, 1953—3:16
p.m.
DA 940241. From CSUSA for CINCUNC exclusive for General Clark. Pass to US Ambassador, Pusan exclusive for Amb Briggs. The following are joint State–Defense instructions:
- 1.
- The President has authorized you and Briggs to inform Rhee that US is prepared immediately to undertake negotiations for a mutual defense treaty with the ROK along lines of Philippine and ANZUS treaties which insofar as the ROK is concerned would cover the area now or hereafter under the administrative control of the ROK. Other aspects [Page 1123] of the treaty would require amplification as the negotiations progress. We are agreeable to negotiate either in Korea or in Washington.
- 2.
- Our willingness to negotiate and enter into such a treaty is
subject to receiving the following assurances from Rhee:
- a.
- The Korean Govt will refrain from opposition to and agitation against an armistice along the lines presently proposed by the UNC and use its influence to restrain the Korean population from engaging in such agitation and opposition.
- b.
- The ROK will cooperate in the implementation of an armistice agreement.
- c.
- The armed forces of the ROK will remain under operational control of CINCUNC until US and ROK mutually agree such arrangements no longer necessary.
- 3.
- Upon receipt of such firm assurances the US will be prepared immediately to undertake formal negotiations.
- 4.
- The ROK must understand that conclusion of such a treaty is subject to US constitutional processes requiring the advice and consent of the Senate. ROK cooperation with the UNC will undoubtedly be a major factor in the attitude of the Senate toward ratification of any such treaty.
- 5.
- Insofar as the armistice is concerned you can assure Rhee that there will be no departure from the principles set forth by the UNC Delegation at the 25 May meeting.
- 6.
- In presenting this matter to Rhee you should state that US continues to consider the “Greater Sanctions Statement” by 16 members of the UN, including the US, meets the actual security needs of the ROK. If, however, Rhee feels that a mutual defense treaty has greater dignity and assures ROK status in future developing Pacific security system, US is agreeable to enter into such an arrangement in addition to issuance of the “Greater Sanctions Statement.”
- 7.
- Timing of approach to Rhee is left to your discretion.