611.95B/12–2754: Telegram
The Ambassador in Korea (Briggs) to the Department of State
724. Repeated information Tokyo 504, Taipei 39, Saigon 6. Tokyo pass CINCUNC, CG AFFE/Army Eight and CAG.
[Page 1936]After transacting other business with Foreign Minister Pyun as reported separate telegrams1 he brought up subject his recent United States visit, especially his calls in Washington2 stating he had sought to emphasize to Assistant Secretary Robertson and likewise to United States military leaders his belief that notwithstanding existence United States-ROK bilateral treaty Communists may still be planning overt move toward Korea in fairly imminent future, hence United States should see to it ROK Army strong and in constant readiness. By strong he specifically referred to additional equipment for reserve divisions and supplies, ammunition, et cetera, “sufficient for at least one month.” In that connection he observed (as on various occasions in past) that whatever President Rhee may occasionally declare publicly for benefit of Communists Rhee has no intention taking unilateral action to unite Korea by force.
According Pyun’s analysis Chinese Communists will not try invade Formosa since that impossible except with powerful assistance Soviet Navy which Soviet unwilling furnish because war with United States would immediately follow. Similarly Chinese Communists do not need provide overt military support to Viet Minh since Communists succeeding there without such assistance. Therefore there remains only Korea “which must not be left exposed”, and Japan where Communists working by subversion.
While little of this may be new, I report it as illustrative Pyun’s present thinking. I told him that with respect Korea I did not agree as to any imminent overt Chinese Communist attack. On contrary, and perhaps especially in light overwhelming GA endorsement of twin principles for settlement Korean issue, I believe it far more likely Communists as next Korean move would seek obscure those issues and their own GA defeat by such efforts as recent NK proposals for cultural relations, exchange communications, persons, et cetera, along line recent Communist proposals to MAC. These proposals will attempt create impression NK conciliatory and sincerely promoting moves in direction unification, replies to which ROK during Pyun’s absence I said had been gratified observe pointed out real character Communist maneuvers.
Pyun expressed satisfaction re GA results3 saying he believes Assembly action helpful in clarifying Korean issue. However, he also remarked ROK Government cannot permit unification problem to be pigeonholed now Assembly is over, to lie dormant until next UN meeting.