795B.00/11–1454: Telegram
1The Ambassador in Korea (Briggs) to the Department of State
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558. Repeated information priority Tokyo 382. Tokyo pass CINCUNC and CAG. Reference: Deptel 3262 repeated information Tokyo 1009.
Prime Minister Pyun asked to see me privately before dinner for Congressmen Vorys and Richards tonight. He was accompanied by Defense Minister Sohn.
Pyun began by saying he was going to New York as ROK representative at UN General Assembly during debate on Korean item. He hopes depart Seoul Tuesday3 and expressed strong desire conclude agreement on draft minute before his departure. He inquired whether reply had been received to his October 30 letter to Secretary Dulles and I then handed him copy of letter contained reference telegram.
In course of subsequent discussion, Pyun made following points:
- 1.
- He confirmed that request to Wood by Paek Tu-chin (Embtel 5574 repeated Tokyo 381) did not relate to language of draft minute on hwan-dollar conversion rate but was matter for subsequent consideration.
- 2.
- He stated that two points mentioned his October 30 letter were only points of disagreement remaining re draft minute.
- 3.
- In response to my explanation why words “in violation of the armistice” in item four of US commitments were required, he expressed confidence he could obtain President Rhee’s agreement to immediate exchange of ratifications of US-ROK mutual defense treaty.
- 4.
- Following discussion of language re unification Pyun suggested alternative of dropping “by all peaceful means” from item five US commitments or else eliminating item five entirely. He stated unequivocally that ROK prepared accept item one of ROK commitment and pointed out this contained all assurances US should need.
I told Pyun I would refer matters discussed points (3) and (4) above to Washington with view to possibility agreement on minute prior his departure Tuesday. In connection possible deletion item five of US commitments I suggested that if Washington agreed to this suggestion it might be desirable have US position on this subject expressed in separate letter from Secretary Dulles to Pyun. He seemed agreeable this solution and stated he would discuss these points with President in morning. I told Pyun that I thought it would be highly desirable for him to have announcement US-ROK agreement on minute made before his departure for UNGA.
[Page 1918]In light this conversation, recommend I be authorized accept following solutions if ROK agrees to:
- 1.
- Deletion words “in violation of the armistice” from item four of US commitments on receipt authorization from President Rhee to immediate exchange of ratification instruments on MDT in Washington.
- 2.
- Deletion item five of US commitments on understanding item one ROK commitments stands and US position on unification Korea by peaceful means will be expressed in letter from Secretary Dulles to Prime Minister.
In view timing Pyun’s departure request this authorization soonest subject confirmation by President Rhee of these two points and his acceptance remainder US draft of minute.