795.00/7–1153: Telegram
The Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Robertson) to the Department of State1
priority
44. Sent CINCUNC for Gen. Clark, information CINCUNC Adv for Gen. Harrison and DeptAr, information Secretary of State. From Robertson. Your CX 63627.2 There will of course be no objection to General Harrison’s utilizing joint statement and, if desired, making same part of tomorrow’s record. I also agree to your proposed instructions to Harrison to inform Communists that suitable assurances have been received [Page 1378] from ROK Government concerning attitude of that Government toward armistice.
However, I do not believe use should be made of President Rhee’s letter to me of July 9, first because various statements as they stand are subject to qualifications rendering them unsuitable for proposed use, and secondly because it was agreed today between Rhee and me that our aide-mémoire of July 2 and his communications would not be made public pending negotiation of the points at issue. Even though Panmunjom session executive, any textual quote or other utilization of letter would almost certainly become known through Communists with unfavorable effect upon our relations with Rhee.3
- Source text was Department of State information copy.↩
- Supra.↩
Because of Robertson’s opinion expressed here, Clark instructed Harrison to give the assurance in much more general terms. (Telegram CX 63635, July 12, 1953; Matthews files, lot 55 D 413) The wording suggested by Clark and used by Harrison at the July 12 plenary meeting at Panmunjom was as follows:
“In consequence of negotiations just completed with the Government of the Republic of Korea, we have received suitable assurances from the Republic of Korea Government that it will during the post hostility period work in close collaboration for our common objectives. During this period provisions of the present draft armistice agreement will be implemented. You are assured that the United Nations Command, which includes the Republic of Korea forces, is prepared to carry out the terms of the armistice.”
After Harrison made this statement, the Communist side asked for a short recess. Upon returning, Nam Il noted that while Harrison’s assurance was helpful and good, definite pledges were still required. Harrison was not prepared to go beyond his general statement and the meeting ended without resolution. Records of the sessions at Panmunjom for July 12 can be found in telegrams CX 63640 and CX 63643, both July 12, 1953. (Matthews files, lot 53 D 413)
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