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

396.1–GE/4–854: Telegram

The Ambassador in Korea (Briggs) to the Department of State

secret
priority

Seoul, April 8, 1954—6 p.m.

991. Repeated information priority Tokyo 599 (Tokyo pass CINCUNC). Re Embtel 990, April 8. Following letter dated April 8 from President Rhee to President Eisenhower just received with request it be telegraphed to Washington.¹

Begin text.

My dear President Eisenhower: Not knowing what to do at this darkest moment in our fight for survival of Korea, I am appealing to you once again by asking you to advise me what can be done.

Our friends are urging us to join in Geneva conference. They complain we are not cooperating with them. Have we not cooperated with US to extent of wasting over eight months, knowing as we did nothing would come out of Panmunjom or political conferences? What is result? Our enemies are today in infinitely stronger position than they ever were and UN Forces are talking about going home. We do not blame them. They see no reason why they should stay here while there is no war to fight and while their governments are trying to settle matters peacefully either one way or other.

Regarding Geneva conference, we were told Russia would not be admitted as neutral. Now we find Russia is one of sponsors of conference, sending out invitations. Again we were told positively India would not be allowed attend conference, but we hear Indian delegates are already in Geneva. I need not mention other points equally difficult to understand. [Here follow portions of President Rhee’s message that were excluded from this publication at the request of the Republic of Korea Government.]

Allow me to tell Your Excellency, frankly and earnestly, that UN statesmen do not seem to know what they are doing. They are playing with fire. By trying to resist Armed Forces with talks, they can never save Indochina or Korea or even their own nations. When it is too late, young men of their own countries will pay dearly for it. I am saying this with prayers in my heart. May God Almighty give you wisdom and courage that pass all understanding.

With assurances of my continued friendship and high esteem,

Very sincerely yours,

End Text.²

Briggs

1. For President Eisenhower’s reply to the letter quoted here, see telegram 829, Apr. 16, p. 103.
2. The text of this message was forwarded to President Eisenhower under cover of a memorandum dated Apr. 8 from Secretary Dulles, who stated that a reply was under consideration by the Department of State (396.1–GE/4–854).