Eisenhower Library, Eisenhower papers, Whitman file
The President of the Republic of Korea (Rhee) to President Eisenhower1
My Dear President Eisenhower: As Mr. Robertson is now about to depart from Korea, I want you to know how pleased I have been with the fine spirit of consideration and understanding he has shown in all our talks together. Even if we have differed on certain matters, I have never found him lacking in a most sympathetic spirit of accord which has helped us to keep clearly in mind the fundamental and vital unity which so happily binds our two governments and peoples together. I am very glad that Mr. Robertson will report, in person, to you on the points over which we disagreed, with a view to settling them. I earnestly hope that the solutions worked out will be favorable to us.
So long as our two nations can conduct our negotiations in the spirit of mutuality demonstrated so well in these discussions, I am confident there never will arise a question which cannot be solved in friendship [Page 1369] and to the advantage of our two countries and to the peace and security of the Far East.
What I should like most earnestly to recommend is that in the future formulations of American policies in the Pacific area, Korea should be accorded consideration as a strategic power center and as a loyal and effective Ally. As you know, in the past there has been a marked concentration of American policy upon Japan as the keystone around which events in northern Asia should be shaped. Your Administration can effect a wholesome change in the course of Asian-American relations by demonstrating the closeness and the mutual value of the interdependence of the United States and the Republic of Korea. As we have shown at such tragic cost, we shall not bow before any aggressor, nor shall we develop any policy which is antithetical to the peace-structure which you are planning for the Pacific area.
On the other hand, American development of renewed power in Japan cannot but be regarded by all Oriental peoples as hastening the time when they must once again prepare to resist or to be victimized by a resurgence of Japanese imperialism. Korea, re-united and rehabilitated, can be as strong as Japan and will enjoy a greater degree of prosperity. Our people have a natural inclination toward individualism and genuine democracy. For scores of centuries our tradition has been one of peace, and we never once have waged an aggressive war or fought against any nation outside our own boundaries. These facts create great confidence among the peoples of Asia. Meanwhile, our strategic location is such that unless we are clearly and unquestionably strong, there will always be a temptation for Russia, Japan, or China to encroach upon us as an avenue of attack upon the others. These principles which I am citing are all documented again and again by historic events, and they lead to the conclusion that a genuine security system for Asia must rest upon the solid foundation of Korean independence and Korean strength. I hope, Mr. President, that you will give to these considerations your most thoughtful attention.
As you know, I have decided not to obstruct, in any manner, the implementation of the terms, in deference to your requests. In my view, however, it simply cannot eventuate in a political settlement which will benefit either Korea or the free world. I have yielded to your representations as an evidence of the friendship we Koreans bear for the United States, and as a mark of the confidence I have in your leadership of the free world.
My prayers are with you for the success of your plans. My most solemn hope is that you may never forget that while the communists believe you to be strong, they will never dare to advance. Once they detect or suspect weakness, either of military power or of will, the world will be pushed over the brink of general war.
With the highest expressions of friendship and esteem I am
Sincerely yours,
- A copy of this letter was initially transmitted to the Department of State in telegram 128 from Tokyo. Robertson was handed this letter just before he departed from Seoul and he dispatched it from Tokyo, his first stop en route home. Dulles saw the telegram copy and Eisenhower saw the original.↩