396.1–GE/4–854: Telegram
The Ambassador in Korea (Briggs) to the Department of State
priority
990. Re Deptel 792 and 796.1 In delivering Secretary’s letter to President Rhee this afternoon in presence Prime Minister Paik and Foreign Minister Pyun, I explained that in addition statement being sent to Pyun later today in acknowledgement his letter April 6. Rhee then read Secretary’s letter aloud and made following comments:
- (1)
- With regard to our being entitled to “courtesy of reply” President pointed out that exchange of correspondence among President Eisenhower, Secretary, himself and his Foreign Minister indicated invitation under active and serious consideration by ROK Government and hence no discourtesy involved;
- (2)
- Rhee said he is completing further letter to President Eisenhower text of which he would shortly ask me to telegraph Washington.2 Rhee said letter short and indicates Korean Government prepared attend Geneva Conference if President Eisenhower, in light ROK misgivings, nevertheless still believes it desirable do so. I gather letter also takes up again Rhee desire for assurance on military build-up.
With regard to Secretary’s reply to Pyun (Deptel 792) I said this in form of statement recapitulating points previously set forth, plus indication that ROK request for armed forces build-up is under active study by US Government whose views will be furnished as soon as they are available. (Point 11; I did not say reply likely “next week” since this would almost certainly have guaranteed further Korean delay pending receipt thereof). I also indicated that US Government will attend conference whether or not ROK attends (Point 10).
Although I was with President and advisors for approximately 1 hour during which Rhee covered much familiar ground, no points were developed.
[Page 79]Because of short remaining period April 26 opening date, seems doubtful whether there will be much time for Washington consultation, even assuming ROK Geneva attendance. In this connection in addition ROK desire obtain military build-up commitment, Rhee and Pyun may believe ROK independence of action at Geneva might be limited by pre-conference consultation.