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

Eisenhower Library, James C. Hagerty papers

Hagerty Diary, July 30, 1954

[Washington, undated.]

In at 9:00. The President left for Camp David. Comparatively quiet day here at the White House with the exception of the final statement issued in connection with the American-Korean talks. This statement was not issued until 7:30 in the evening. (Statement attached)

The important thing about the statement is that President Rhee, who has been talking about restarting the Korean war, actually agreed to sign the statement, which in effect places the problem of Korea in the 9th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations which opens in New York on September 21st. The key sentence in the communiqué was the one in the third paragraph which read:

In view of the failure of the conference at Geneva to reach a settlement of the Korean question, we have discussed means for continuing to seek this objective.

This was a direct reference to the 16-power declaration at Geneva¹ which called for reporting on Korea to the General Assembly if the political conference could not reach an agreement at Geneva. The very fact that we got Rhee to sign this in this form places him on record of favoring peaceful means for at least a while within the UN. None of us can see how he can completely repudiate his signed statement and still save his face. It was also agreed that the economic and military talks be continued here in Washington by the experts in an attempt to try to reach a decision on how much military expansion the budget of the Republic of Korea can stand without breaking both the people and the country. Rhee requested additional armed forces—particularly additional air and sea forces and ships and planes. Of course, he wants several more divisions but he would be much happier if he could get more planes and some Navy ships.

[Attachment]

Statement by Presidents Rhee and Eisenhower

Washington, July 30, 1954.

We have had a fruitful and cordial exchange of views on a number of matters of mutual concern. These conversations have strengthened the friendship existing between our two countries and are a further demonstration of our solidarity of purpose.

On August 8, 1953, President Rhee and Secretary Dulles agreed that the United States and the Republic of Korea would again consult if the political conference envisaged in the Armistice of July 27, 1953 failed to produce a satisfactory settlement. This conference was held at Geneva from April 26 to June 15, 1954, but at that meeting the Communists refused to accept any formula for the unification of Korea on the basis of genuinely free elections under UN supervision and instead continued to press for arrangements which would have led directly and inevitably to extinguishing the liberties of the Korean people.

We reaffirm our intention to move forward, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the resolutions of the General Assembly of Korea to achieve a unified, democratic, and independent Korea. In view of the failure of the Conference at Geneva to reach a settlement of the Korean question, we have discussed means for continuing to seek this objective.

Our military and economic advisers will continue with more detailed discussions of the questions of common interest which concern them.

In conclusion, we reiterate our determination to continue to work together in close and reciprocal cooperation to attain our common objectives regarding Korea.

1. For text of this declaration of June 15, see vol. xvi, p. 385.