795.00/12–2754: Telegram
The Ambassador in Korea (Briggs) to the Department of State
723. Repeated information Tokyo 503, Stockholm 9, Bern 11. Tokyo also pass CINCUNC, CG AFFE/Army Eight and CAG. Re Deptel 4031 repeated Bern 829 Stockholm 485 Tokyo 1262.
In absence President Rhee saw Foreign Minister Pyun today re NNSC situation and at his request I am sending him memo conveying substance final paragraph Deptel 403. I also called Pyun’s attention to fact that in addition to steps making it impossible for Czechs and Poles to conduct espionage activities, our military authorities have notified Communists through senior UNCMAC member of discontinuance utilization by UNC of three airfields including transfer January 1 of Seoul airport (K–16) to ROK Air Force. This will not preclude occasional spot inspections at K–16 but will very considerably reduce them. These cited to Pyun to indicate US working steadily to handle problem at this end, while negotiations on part ourselves, British and French are continuing in Bern and Stockholm.
Pyun conciliatory and expressed appreciation what has already been done. At same time he pointed out presence Communist members NNITs constant affront to ROK Government which will find it impossible permit situation continue indefinitely (this in line his statement in New York before first committee in December 8 last, except that in conversation today Pyun privately conceded alleged espionage activities are secondary to basic problem of presence Communists in Korea). Pyun said he would report my call to President Rhee, hence his request for substance final paragraph Deptel 403.