Eisenhower Library, Eisenhower papers, Whitman file: Telegram
The Ambassador in Korea (Briggs) to the Department of State
priority
30. Repeated information Tokyo 18. Limit distribution. Department for the Secretary. Tokyo pass CINCUNC exclusive for General Hull.
Yesterday Mrs. Rhee sent me word that President had decided make no stops between Seoul and Washington except as necessary to aircraft operation and that Rhee wished avoid stopping Japan either way. She added President would enjoy visiting Honolulu for day or two on return trip. Accordingly on receipt Deptel 32,1 repeated Tokyo 66, I drafted following letter of invitation dated July 12 which I delivered to Rhee at noon today:
“Dear Mr. President: On behalf of President Eisenhower I have honor extend most cordial invitation for Mrs. Rhee and you visit United States as guests American Government and be in Washington from July 26 to July 30, 1954, should those dates meet with your convenience. Transportation by special mission aircraft is being arranged through General Hull, with stopover Honolulu on return flight if this is your wish.
“In Washington, Blair House will be at your disposal for duration your official stay. Arrangements also being made for visit of few days New York City following your Washington visit.
“If this general outline satisfactory to you, my government will shortly submit more detailed schedule for your consideration. As you may be aware, your visit may coincide with closing days of congressional session—period of some congestion.
“Secretary Dulles has asked me to tell you President Eisenhower and he warmly welcome your visit and opportunity it will afford exchange views on problems discussed in your letter to him July 1 [2], 1954, as well as other matters of importance to our two governments. Secretary has also asked me inform you that with respect your letter July 1, no advance commitment of nature requested can be made. Faithfully yours, Ellis O. Briggs”.
Rhee read letter slowly aloud and made no comment concerning last paragraph. He expressed appreciation and said he looked forward with much eagerness to seeing President and Secretary on July 26. We discussed New York visit for “two or three days” and Rhee said at conclusion thereof he thought he should return Korea. There was accordingly no discussion of possibility second perhaps unofficial visit to Washington although possibility thereof should perhaps not be ruled out depending on developments official July 26 to 30 visit.
I raised question of official announcement, pointing out possibility of leak and indicating this should be made soonest. It was left that first announcement would come from White House, text of which Rhee said [Page 1835] he would appreciate having if possible in advance so that corresponding statement could be issued simultaneously here.
I also offered to ascertain from General Hull Seoul departure date and route, which I said I assumed might be via Alaska. President also asked how many persons can comfortably be accommodated “since of course everyone from here will want to go”.
I also mentioned your suggestion that I likewise go to Washington at which Rhee expressed satisfaction. However in my opinion it might be more helpful for me to precede President and arrive Washington few days in advance Rhee party. Would accordingly appreciate receiving corresponding travel orders and will probably plan depart Seoul coming weekend. Rhee’s general condition and alertness much improved over meeting July 10. Balance of conversation had to do with his preoccupation over situation Indochina as described following telegram.2