Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, The Geneva Conference, Volume XVI

396.1 GE/6–154: Telegram

The United States Delegation to the Department of State

top secret
priority

Geneva, June 1, 1954—11 p.m.¹

Dulte 137. Repeated priority Seoul 107. Further to Dulte 134² re Korea. There is a third possibility which would combine some of each of two outlined reference telegram.

We could have one restricted meeting to see if there is any room for compromise by Communists on UN issue. We could also propose to Communists that conference consideration of Korean question be reported to UN for its further consideration, in view inability to reach agreement here on issues of UN auspices and supervision. Communists would probably reject these proposals. We would have made an effort seek agreement. We could then go into a final plenary for each side to state its case. We could propose agreement among 16 on having conference adjourn sine die on UN issue as far as we are concerned.

Under this third possibility I would not propose that restricted session report any agreement in principle along lines of 4 subparagraphs Dulte 134. That might avoid possibility Communists would suggest addition of agreement in principle on measures and obligations for “insuring peace in Korea” along lines their point 3 of April 27 proposals, which would create difficulties for us particularly in Seoul. But this third possibility of combining a restricted session with a final plenary both on UN issue might satisfy many other delegations and offset any charge US intransigence.

I see no particular problem with other allied delegations except ROK on question of final phase of Korea. Anything less than complete and unconditional termination will probably create major problems for US with ROK. ROK Government will no doubt oppose any compromise formula to end conference in such a way as not to register complete disagreement and which would make possible, at least in theory, later consideration of Korean question. ROK may even be opposed to UNGA consideration, as Pyun has already expressed apprehension over New York Times story Friday May 28 on UN referral Korean question. ROK delegation is informally talking in terms leaving Geneva when Communists reject ROK 14-point proposal. Phasing out of Korean conference will require particularly careful planning and handling on our part with ROK.

Views Embassy Seoul this problem would be helpful.³

Smith

1. Received in the Department of State at 7:16 a.m. on June 1.
2. Dated May 30, p. 324.

3. The Department of State sent the following message in telegram Tosec 321 (repeated for information to Seoul as telegram 973), June 1, to Geneva:

   “Dulte 137 repeated Seoul 107. Followup from Secretary on Deptel 316 repeated Seoul 968 emphasizes break be made on UN issue. Believe your proposal Dulte 137 excellent tactic consistent with concept of break on UN issue.” (396.1 GE/6–154)