795B.5 MSP/9–2054: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Korea1
216. Your 316,2 3203 and 324.4 Our 204 rptd Tokyo 610.5 You should soonest possible arrange meet with President Rhee accompanied by Hull and Wood to present Minute which represents US Government position re military and economic programs for ROK developed through long discussions in Washington with ROK representatives. Sooner negotiations can be transferred to official channels from public press the better. Instructions in our 204 still valid.
Once US position thus made known clearly to Rhee agree further discussions should be at ROK initiative in order avoid giving impression US overanxious and in great haste reach understandings set forth draft Minute and appendices.
Re your 316 and 324 on ROK relations with Japan. Nature this matter makes it more difficult. US determine whether carried out in good faith and we have recognized it is on different footing by accepting ROK request delete paragraph draft Minute. However, ROK assured us they would undertake negotiate in good faith with Japanese and Pyun’s approach to you reported your 316 provides some evidence they may do so. Believe normalization ROK relations with Japan best advanced by patient firm pressure which can be provided most effectively by US mediator (last paragraph our 204) who might discuss issues with parties separately as necessary to develop satisfactory basis for face to face negotiations and attempt avoid another failure in direct negotiations between two governments.
You should explain Rhee strong stable ROK and Japan basic to US policy in Far East and adjustment Japanese-ROK relations is indispensable element this objective as it is to welfare and security ROK. Your discussion should be designed elicit agreement US mediator subject acceptability individual both sides. If withdrawal Kubota statement and Japanese claims condition mediation assume this can still be worked out.
Tokyo take no further action pending discussions with Rhee.
For your information: Embassy here indicated Dean unacceptable account being Executive Officer Japan Society and his firm Sullivan and Cromwell employed by Japanese Government on certain matters.