795B.5/5–1054: Telegram
The Ambassador in Korea (Briggs) to the Department of State
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1141. Eyes only for the Secretary from Dean. Defense instructions Commanding General 8th Army are to review all ROK procedures and cut expenditures to bone. Apparently no attempt made by Defense to brief head current mission1 on these instructions or current thinking of Joint Chiefs on use of “almost conventional weapons.”
Consequently head mission talks to President on basic philosophy of our building up ROK strength proportionately as we withdraw, while [Page 1792] 8th Army subordinates charged with getting up figures for Commanding General are talking opposite ROK numbers about cutting down.
Hence President exceptionally suspicious. Naturally hard for him believe head current mission our government not cognizant other instructions same government.
Head current mission believes that for same money we can build up approximately five ROK divisions for each US division withdrawn, so very enthusiastic ROK thinking and since we stand shoulder to shoulder with ROKs in common struggle against communism as such in Far East, believes should cooperate with ROKs in their desire to build up to 35 divisions.
8th Army and Wood have received no such instructions and Wood emphasizes effect build up on inflation.
Fully realize purpose of visit, but timing of mission visit with such extraordinary prestige, together with potential promises of more and greater aid, affords Rhee exceptional opportunity to attempt play one off against the other and to attempt exceptionally tough attitude reference Geneva in hopes being bought off.
Head current mission most frank, cooperative and pleasant, and leaves impression complete honesty and integrity. Also leaves impression of not being acutely aware detailed financial and most modern logistical thinking and over all political, economic and sociological developments Far East or our overall budgetary problems.
Mission in question scheduled leave for Formosa Wednesday morning.2 Foregoing sent only as possible explanation local situation.