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

795.00/6–2654: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Korea¹

top secret

Washington, June 26, 1954—4:30 p.m.

1043. Secretary Wilson has raised question of what should now be done about plans for further redeployment US forces from Korea which were suspended pending outcome Geneva Conference. Recent telegrams from Ambassador Briggs and General Hull have also suggested consideration this subject.

It is desired to continue deployment from Korea in accordance with the program announced by the President on December 26² under the safeguards and reassurances which he then expressed. However, before making this decision final in regard to a second state of deployment from Korea, I would like your estimate as to whether it would be interpreted as a sign of weakness and if so, whether any statements or explanations to be given at the time of announcements would obviate this impression.

President’s statement was transmitted by wireless bulletin FEF–2 Dec. 28, 1953.

Dulles

1. This telegram, which was drafted by McClurkin and Dulles and cleared by Dulles, was also sent to Tokyo as telegram 2876 with instructions to pass to CINCUNC, to Taipei as telegram 957, and to Saigon as telegram 2736.
2. See footnote 1 p. 1679.