396.1–GE/4–2554: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Korea
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5. Repeated information Department Secto 4 Tokyo 4. Tokyo pass CINCUNC. Seoul for Briggs and Dean. Secretary and Robertson met this morning with Pyun and Yang. Secretary proposed Pyun make opening statement for our side at conference on [?] which Pyun welcomed. Secretary has proposed US and ROK exchange ideas on content statement. Pyun agreed. No mention made of written “notes” [Page 141] Dean discussed with Yang who has shown them to Pyun.1 Pyun stated he under strict instructions from Rhee first propose unconditional withdrawal Chinese Communist forces before UN withdrawal and unification. Secretary replied such proposal could cause much trouble for our side because Communists will propose simultaneous withdrawal all foreign forces, conference would focus on question withdrawal rather than main issue independence and unity of Korea, and UN withdrawal before unification could weaken our security position in Korea if actually carried out. Secretary used tripartite position at Berlin on German unification as illustration heart of matter should be unification and freedom for Korea as was done regarding Germany in Berlin. Secretary suggested ROK statement emphasize that theme with withdrawal of forces as part larger problem. He also said no objection Pyun including in speech desirability Chinese Communist withdrawal from Korea as evidence purging themselves of aggression but connected with unification and freedom for all Korea. Pyun also raised question general elections in Korea stating he feared Communists would make such proposal in order set precedent for Indochina where they would thereby win control by peaceful means. Secretary replied we fully aware possible consequences for Indochina proposals on Korea, therefore we are proposing as initial position elections only in North Korea. Secretary made clear to Pyun this was not final position. Pyun said since he under rigid instructions from Rhee make above proposal re withdrawal he would have refer Secretary’s views to Seoul.
It was agreed with Pyun that we would also refer matter to you for discussion with Rhee in hope he will change instructions to Pyun to emphasize primary importance seeking unification and freedom Korea rather than unconditional unilateral withdrawal Chinese Communist forces as first order precedence.
Since opening statement might have to be made Monday or Tuesday depending conference developments Secretary wishes you see Rhee soonest.
- The “notes” referred to have not been found in the Department of State files.↩