Office of the Historian

795.00/1–1354: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Deputy Representative for the Korean Political Conference (Young)1

secret
niact
Washington, January 25, 1954—6:33 p.m.

210. 1. Re your 2322 we are reviewing PC problem in light GA, Berlin meeting, possible use new channels and release POW. We plan discuss possible courses of action with group 16 by end of this week and will inform you soonest our conclusions. We agree efforts resume talks approaching point diminishing returns and appreciate your helpful estimate present situation.

2. Pending clarification situation re reconvening GA, however, you should continue meet with Communists on present basis. Breaking off now would spur drive for reconvening Assembly which, subject reconsideration on basis Secretary’s talks with Eden, we still oppose. Continuation your meetings will also assist Secretary in dealing with Soviet proposal Five Power meeting.

3. If Communists propose indefinite recess, you should deliver letter next day making clear they requested recess, pointing to availability MAC and Embassy for further contacts and summarizing our efforts implement paragraph 60 and GA resolution August 28.

Smith
  1. This telegram was drafted by De Palma and cleared by Drumright, McClurkin, Key, and with Murphy in draft. It was repeated to Seoul as telegram 617 and Tokyo as 1720 with instructions to pass to CINCUNC.↩
  2. Dated Jan. 23, p. 1730.↩