Matthews files, lot 53 D 413: Telegram
The Ambassador in Korea (Briggs) to the Commander in Chief United Nations Command (Clark) and to the Political Adviser for the Armistice Negotiations (Murphy)1
operational immediate
GX 5817 KSG. Fol msg transmitted for Amb Briggs.
“Gen Taylor has told me of his talk this morning with Pres Rhee in which latter discussed with considerable frankness matters of greatest concern to him in formulating his reply to Pres Eisenhower’s letter. Summary of conversation has been telegraphed to CINCUNC by Taylor2 and is presumably now avail in Washington.
“Taylor’s conversation with Rhee has given first indication since Clark’s and my meeting with him June 5 of direction in which his mind has been turning. I believe points Taylor made have contributed helpfully to clarifying issues in Rhee’s mind and possibly to indicating way in which differences might be resolved.
“Although we may be able to find some formula to reassure Rhee re duration of political discussions, and have already accepted his points re Mutual Security Pact and 20–div ROK Army, see no easy solution to his demands for barring from Korea Indian and Communist representatives provided by armistice terms. Perhaps if we can help him re duration of political conference and at same time convince him of advantages accruing to ROK from armistice, for example, time it will afford for continued buildup of ROK forces and rehabilitation and reconstruction of ROK, he can be persuaded to modify stand on Indian and Communist representatives. I agree with Clark (CX 629263) that speedy conclusion of armistice may limit actions which Rhee might take to block it and could also be helpful in convincing him of its inevitability.
“Taylor and I plan to accompany Admiral Radford to call on Rhee tomorrow June 10 at 5 PM Seoul time when opportunity may arise for us to obtain further indication Rhee’s thinking. If Dept has any comment would appreciate receiving it soonest.” Signed Briggs.