Office of the Historian

795B.11/7–1054: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Korea1

top secret
Washington, July 10, 1954—6:38 p.m.

32. For Ambassadors. Pass General Hull. Re Seoul 272 rpt info Tokyo 14. Extend invitation to Rhee from President Eisenhower visit Washington July 26 to July 30. President Eisenhower not available after July 30 so official visit must end that date. Rhee could then visit New York as he requested. If further negotiations required following week Rhee might return to ROK Embassy. Make clear, however, President Eisenhower and I only available week of official visit. These will be Congress’ closing days and all high officials will be under great pressure which Rhee should understand. President goes West after Congress adjourns.

Travel could be arranged to allow day or two Honolulu perhaps also San Francisco. I appreciate General Hull’s offer provide airplane with adequate sleeping arrangements for Rhee. Blair House available for period of official visit although Rhee may prefer stay ROK Embassy. If he presses point it may be possible arrange invitation for him and wife stay White House first night in Washington.

In extending invitation make completely clear and in writing that while we welcome visit there is no advance commitment of nature requested his letter July 1 [2].

I suggest it might be useful for you accompany Rhee and remain during conversations.

Dulles
  1. This telegram was drafted by McClurkin and John W. Hanes, Jr. of the Executive Secretariat and cleared by Dulles. It was also sent to Tokyo as telegram 66.↩
  2. Dated July 10, p. 1830.↩