Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Korea, Volume XV, Part 2

795.00/7–953: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Korea¹

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Washington, July 9, 1953—7:46 p.m.

31. Reference your DTG 091600Z² and previous. While Rhee’s letter is not entirely satisfactory it represents great progress from situation that existed at time you undertook your mission and probably is about all we will be able obtain from him at this time. Rather than negotiating and exchanging further correspondence on unsatisfactory portions his letter, subject views yourself and Clark, believe we should tacitly consider his letter satisfactory basis for entering into armistice, leaving detailed problems which it raises for future discussion and negotiation.

However concur on desirability joint US–ROK statement at time your departure along lines suggested your DTG 091125Z,³ and suggest efforts now being directed at obtaining Rhee’s agreement to as satisfactory joint statement as possible. Transmit text to Department prior release time so that public relations aspects can be coordinated.

With regard to Rhee’s draft mutual security treaty suggest you inform him Department immediately undertaking careful study his draft and will be prepared conclude negotiations at high level meeting with him to follow armistice.

Dulles

1. This telegram, drafted by Johnson and cleared with Smith and Dulles, was repeated to Pusan as telegram 31 and to Tokyo for Murphy and Clark as 90. It was passed to the Department of Defense for Nash and the JCS.
2. Supra.
3. Dated July 9, p. 1355.