795.00/7–653: Telegram
The Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Robertson) to the Department of State
niact
19. Repeated information Pusan 11, Tokyo 9, (for Ambassador Murphy and General Clark). For the Secretary from Robertson. Reference Department telegram 15 to Seoul (repeated Pusan 13, Tokyo 42).1
Rhee does not question good faith of President and Secretary. In fact he considers them among the few friends left to him. He does, however, have a deep fear that armistice would leave Korea not only divided but that in future Korea might be sacrificed to some great power as happened in 1950. United States role in that bitter event is not one to give him comfort.
Rhee has thorough knowledge of American history. He well knows that Senate does not always ratify treaties negotiated by President. He realizes that he has lost popular support in America and for this reason he feels there may be some doubt that Senate would give its consent for defense pact. Without defense pact Rhee greatly fears that Korea would become prey to some other power. From his standpoint he considers his present position stronger than it could possibly be in the future without the pact. Rhee has backed down one by one on points he previously stated in strongest language he would never accept. He now indicates he would support armistice on terms of aide-mémoire immediately upon Senate ratification of defense pact and urges that such pact be rushed through Senate at this session.
I have stated unequivocally that we could not delay signing of armistice for this purpose. It is my suggestion, not Rhee’s that President confer with Senate leaders of both parties obtain promise of support of treaty when submitted, advising Rhee through me to this effect. If this could be done without loss of dignity, it would be powerful weapon in preventing possible catastrophe. Philippine treaty and our rough draft [Page 1337] for Korean pact submitted by us2 has been under study by Rhee and Cabinet over weekend.
We are having another conference this morning and will continue to press for immediate agreement along lines Department telegram 16 to Seoul3 just received. In meantime, I urge your reconsideration my suggestion made herein.
- Dated July 4, p. 1329.↩
- For the text of the Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines, Aug. 30, 1951, see TIAS 2529; 3 UST 3947–3952. A U.S. draft copy of the security treaty submitted to Rhee by Robertson is located in S/S files, lot 60 D 627, “Dulles–Rhee Talks, 1953,” CF 160.↩
- Dated July 5, p. 1331.↩