396.1–GE/4–1954: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Korea
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844. For Ambassador. Deptel 839.1 Concerning proposal Dean go to Korea, such consultations would be conducted under your auspices and with your advice and guidance. Main purpose convey Secretary’s latest thinking directly and in detail to Rhee, who will formulate ROK position from Seoul during Geneva conference. In lieu consultations here with ROK representative as we suggested to Rhee and Pyun several times, might help US at Geneva if Dean with your guidance per above could discuss with Rhee over period several days detailed background US Government’s views major substantive aspects Korean issue.
As we see it problem is to persuade ROK advance proposals in reasonable form and also help us maintain sufficient flexibility and room for manoeuver while agreeing with us on certain basic principles. Dean has been working currently with Department and in meetings here on all position papers and problems and is informed regarding Southeast Asian situation and relations to it of various proposals on Korean phase conference. Also familiar with latest thinking reference Geneva our various allies. We believe that this arrangement can supplement difficult task negotiating with ROK satisfactory accord and understanding on strategy and tactics at Geneva.
Secretary has instructed Robertson and Young be in Geneva when Pyun arrives discuss with him opening presentation. Since Korean Embassy says Pyun expected there April 24, hope Dean can begin discussions with Rhee April 23 or 24.