795.00/5–1554: Telegram
The Ambassador in Korea ( Briggs ) to the Department of State
priority
1182. Repeated information Tokyo 700, Geneva 83. Geneva for Smith; Tokyo pass CINCUNC. For the Secretary from Dean. Reference Geneva 731 and 74,2 sent Department 196, Secto 200, Tokyo 57 and 58; also Department 923, repeated Geneva Tosec 164, Tokyo 2532.3 Ambassadors Briggs and Dean called on President Rhee, Prime Minister and acting Foreign Minister at 1:30 p.m. Stressed necessity all 15 nations on our side being able unite and present broad statement of general principles and emphasized we could work out details later. Further emphasized very important both world American and Congressional opinion we stand together at Geneva in order be able fulfill our commitments elsewhere in world and carry out appropriate overall survey ROK army now under discussion. After going over Geneva 74 draft and suggested changes contained Department 923 explained, we prefer 74 text but that Secretary considered unanimous agreement on general principles very important and so were prepared agree to these changes if satisfactory to President. President read draft and riders carefully and we explained general theory and emphasized ROK one of parties. Very little discussion; President very amiable. Said would study and let us know. President occupied all morning US Armed Forces Day. Do not believe they had as yet time digest contents Pyun’s report transmitted Geneva 76.4 In presenting matter stressed urgent desirability of immediate agreement on principles so that they can be submitted Geneva soonest.
- Dated May 13, p. 261.↩
- Dated May 13, p. 264.↩
- Dated May 14, p. 269.↩
- This reference is apparently in error; no copy of a telegram 76 from Geneva to Seoul has been found in Department of State files. Possibly, the allusion is to the conversation with Pyun covered in telegram 78, May 14, from Geneva, p. 270.↩