795B.00/10–2854: Telegram
1The Ambassador in Korea (Briggs) to the Department of State
503. Repeated information Tokyo 338. Tokyo pass CINCUNC and CAG. Re Embtel 501.2 Following is text of letter dated October 28 I shall deliver to President Rhee tomorrow morning in compliance Deptel 295.3
Begin text.
My Dear Mr. President: I have honor inform you I have now received instructions from my government on Korean redraft of minute of understanding which was presented to me at our meeting October 22.
Major changes in redraft are contrary to fixed American policy, or precluded by statutory limitations, or of such nature as to make successful aid program impossible. Moreover, changes are in direction increasing [Page 1907] commitments of US and decreasing those of ROK. My government directs me state they are unacceptable to American Government.
As explained in our meetings on subject of minute respective positions on these matters were fully explored both during your visit to US and in subsequent negotiations in Washington extending over some seven weeks. For example, with respect point five of commitments of US in Korean redraft American Government cannot, as Government of ROK is aware from statements by President Eisenhower and Secretary Dulles, accept undertaking support unification Korea by force, although it does support unification by all peaceful means.
American position on substantive points contained in draft minute of understanding presented to you September 27 is firm. Without agreement of Government of ROK to undertakings contained in draft minute and its appendices, Government of US is not committed to undertakings with respect economic and military aid. American Government is willing to discuss with your government details of draft minute presented September 27, but additional discussion will only delay aid programs and cannot, as stated above, change substantive points that document.
In these circumstances Government of US sincerely hopes Government of ROK will reconsider its position and agree to draft minute as presented to you September 27. In this way economic and military aid program, largest single aid program proposed by Government of US for current fiscal year, can go forward without further delay.
With renewed assurances of my highest consideration and esteem, I am, my dear Mr. President,
Faithfully yours,
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