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  4. Document 186

396.1 GE/5–2154: Telegram

Smith–Robertson–Pyun Meeting, Geneva, May 21, 9:45 a.m.:1 The United States Delegation to the Embassy in Korea

secret
niact
Geneva, May 21, 1954—4 p.m.

92. Repeated information Department Secto 276, Tokyo 78. For Briggs and Dean. Tokyo pass CINCUNC. Department pass Defense.

1.
Before meeting of 16 this morning Smith and Pyun discussed and agreed on handling of meeting and Pyun’s presentation his 14 points. Smith and Robertson strongly urged Pyun amend his second point along lines our paragraph 2, telegram 90 to Seoul, Secto 266, Tokyo 77.2 Pyun agreed ask instructions delete language after “also” and insert “in accordance with the constitutional processes of the ROK”.
2.
His request to Rhee presumably encoded in USDel’s 91 to Seoul.3
3.
Several speakers in meeting of 164 for same reasons also urged same suggestion re second point and urged Pyun get approval from Rhee and revise point before he makes speech Saturday.5 Except for points 12 and 13, US and other 14 find second point only real difficulty in Pyun’s proposal. If Rhee approves Pyun’s suggested change above, Allies will be able give general support all Pyun’s points but 12 and 13 on which they still have reservations and need time consult home governments.
4.
Accordingly urgent have favorable Rhee reply before Pyun makes speech so he can change second point. USDel would appreciate speedy processing telegram 91 to Seoul and any reply to Pyun if that could come back by State channels niact if ROK Government so desired and mentions this matter to you. Suggest might be useful in your discretion you deliver encoded text in our 91 personally to Acting Foreign Minister Cho with whatever use of above points you feel advisable recognizing delicacy referring to private communication [Page 304] between Pyun and Rhee and possibility Rhee may not have full text 14 points. However in view importance this matter USDel hopes deadline noon Saturday Geneva time can be met if Rhee’s response favorable.6
Smith
  1. A memorandum from Johnson to Smith, not printed, dated May 21, indicated that Pyun’s appointment with Smith was set for approximately 9:45 a.m. (795.00/5–2154).↩
  2. Dated May 20, p. 298.↩
  3. Not printed.↩
  4. See infra.↩
  5. May 22.↩

  6. The following message was sent niact to Geneva for Smith from Dean in telegram 16 from Tokyo, also sent to the Department of State as telegram 2882, May 22:

    “Your 92 to Seoul reached us Tokyo. Pursuant suggestion your 90 did not show or discuss Pyun’s 14 points with Rhee. Since Rhee has always insisted on plebiscite believe might be better rely on Pyun’s direct request, but would make abundantly clear you are not accepting 12 and 13. If Pyun’s statement put forward and Communists don’t just reject, gives you basis further modification.

    “Briggs returning Seoul Sunday. Dean leaves late Sunday afternoon for Washington.” (396.1 GE/5–2254)

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