Eisenhower Library, Eisenhower papers, Whitman file
Memorandum by the Secretary of State to the President1
Subject:
- Korea
Today’s news from Korea is not good. Robertson and Clark thought that Rhee was in agreement with an aide-mémoire which they gave along the lines of the points which you and I discussed just before you left on Friday afternoon. However, Rhee has now come back with a [Page 1285] reply which indicates that his basic position is unchanged and which demands that, if the political conference does not, within 90 days of the signing of the armistice, “accomplish the common objectives of reunifying under its only legal government evacuating the Chinese Communists from Korea”, the United States and ROK “will withdraw from the political conference and immediately resume the military operations jointly without consulting with any other nation or organization for the purpose of accomplishing the original objectives by military means”. Rhee also states that the ROK will continue its forces under the United Nations Command only “so long as the UNC cooperates and supports the ROK Government in its efforts to promote the common cause by settling the war with victory”.
Clark advises that he now plans tonight to deliver a letter to the Communists, replying to their letter of June 20 with a view of resuming negotiations and attempting to conclude the armistice with the Communists. This was within the discretion which it was agreed they should have. However, it is apparent that Clark and Robertson feel that their instructions about not withdrawing do not leave them in a position to exert adequate pressure on Rhee. I am inclined to agree on this point and think we might usefully discuss it sometime on Monday with Defense.2
- A copy of this memorandum drafted by Dulles can also be found in file 795.00/62853.↩
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The following typed note appeared at this point on the source text:
↩“Note, 6/29/53. Following the receipt of this letter, Conference was held in Executive Office on Monday [June 29] between Sec. of State, Under [Deputy] Secretary of Defense, and the President. It was decided to suggest to Clark that he increase pressures on Rhee and to give him a clear appreciation of just what his present actions might mean to the future of his country.”