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

795B.00/10–2654: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Korea¹

secret

Washington, October 26, 1954—7:25 p.m.

295. Your 474,² 475,³ 476⁴ and 478.⁵ Re ROK revised draft Minute you should draft and present to Rhee written reply which includes following points: Major changes in ROK draft Minute are in direction of increasing US commitments and decreasing ROK commitments and are unacceptable US. US position these matters has been explained fully during and subsequent visit to US of President Rhee. Re unification, ROK knows from statements President Eisenhower and Secretary Dulles that US cannot accept undertaking to support unification by force. While willing discuss US draft Minute with ROK, US position on substantive points firm and US not committed to economic and military aid undertakings without ROK acceptance undertakings contained US draft Minute and appendices. US hopes ROK will reconsider its position and agree to US draft Minute substantially in present form so that economic and military aid programs can go forward.

When delivering above note you should make oral response ROK memorandum and appendix two contained Seoul 476 and 478 along following lines (including comments on Wood referred Seoul 474): United States position re matters contained memorandum has been expressed in United States draft Minute and explained ROK patiently and thoroughly beginning visit President Rhee. Re Japanese-ROK relations United States has expressed willingness many times extend good offices, but this is matter to be discussed separately. Believe first order business is to agree on Minute which will enable both countries devote energies strengthening economy and armed forces. Re ROK Appendix Two, these allegations have been discussed time and again with ROK officials. Discussion these views most unproductive at this time although Mr. Wood willing discuss problems in CEB. Suffice it to say ROK views on aid matters unique in history United States worldwide economic aid.

Dulles

1. This telegram was drafted by Howard Smith and cleared by Robertson and representatives from FOA, Defense, and Treasury.
2. Dated Oct. 22, p. 1898.
3. Dated Oct. 22, p. 1900.
4. Supra.
5. In this telegram, Oct. 23, the Embassy transmitted to the Department of State a four-page Appendix 2 to the ROK revised minute of understanding. In it, the ROK Government detailed what it considered to be misuse of Korean aid funds since 1945 by U.S. authorities. (795B.5 MSP/10–2354)