795.00/6–1253: Telegram
The Ambassador in Korea (Briggs) to the Department of State 1
top secret
niact
niact
Seoul
, June 12, 1953—9:10
p.m.
Unnumbered, DTG 121210Z. Repeated information CINCUNC (personal for General Clark and Ambassador Murphy).
- a.
- President Rhee delighted your letter2 contained Deptel 779 which I delivered to him at 5 this afternoon. He asked me to express his “sincere personal appreciation for Secretary’s exceptionally friendly message”.
- b.
- Meeting with Rhee lasted approximately one hour marked by cordiality on his part. After I handed him letter, Rhee read it slowly aloud and following expression of thanks spoke at some length of necessity [Page 1167] maintaining intact Korean-American friendship no matter how we might differ on any given issue. Although he said he did not see how he could get away for visit to Washington at this time, I think he is tempted accept if he can see way clear to go.
- c.
- During rather rambling but alert and carefully expressed monologue that consumed most of the time of my visit, President asked me assure Secretary that current demonstrations in Korea must not be misinterpreted and he cited various public statements along line of “US is entitled to go its own way” which I said I had already communicated to Washington along with reports on daily development. President Rhee likewise referred to following points:
- d.
- The commitment given General Clark several weeks ago and recently repeated to both of us that should Rhee ever find it necessary to take unilateral action with Republic of Korea Forces he would inform General Clark in advance. Rhee reiterated that assurance and implied such action not imminent.
- e.
- To armistice and Rhee’s inability to accept it, these references however were made in somewhat perfunctory vein in contrast to previous observation concerning armistice.
- f.
- To political conference, Rhee suggesting Panmunjom negotiations ought to be converted directly into political conference in order save time. (First time Rhee has mentioned that idea.)
- g.
- To alleged difficulties with foreign correspondents in Seoul who had, Rhee declared, recently been especially unhelpful, he remarked that it behooves everyone these days to be most careful in public statements, (an observation I hope not lost on Foreign Minister Pyun).
- h.
- To President Eisenhower’s letter of June 63 on which Rhee said he had spent much time this week trying to draft reply, he indicated this task “very difficult for me” and that reply still in preparation. I conclude from meeting that Rhee is genuinely pleased with Secretary’s letter, especially invitation, even though he has not decided whether to accept. Believe general atmosphere has been improved by letter despite fact he indicated no specific modification of his previously expressed attitude toward armistice.
Briggs