237. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Korea1

104. Also pass CINCUNC. Your 91.2 Department annoyed ROK attempt negotiate force reduction in press. Do not believe setting record straight publicly at this point would correct damage of ROK breach confidential nature discussions this subject.

Would prefer your emphasizing to Koreans especially Ministers Defense and Foreign Affairs undesirability revealing through press policy matters under bilateral discussion. Should also be pointed out to them that their public statements not accurate since as they know ROK forces remaining after force reduction will be modernized by improvements cited our 892 June 18, 1957.3 Further you have given them economic reasons for force reduction together with our conviction over-all strengthening ROK defense position resulting from force reduction, modernization U.S. forces, etc. Attempts influence US decision by discussion in press are not considered by US as part our government to government negotiations and therefore will not be instrumental changing US position. However, they could have effect jeopardizing negotiations.

Herter
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 795.00/7–2657. Confidential. Drafted by Barbis, approved by Robertson, and cleared with FE and the Department of Defense.
  2. In telegram 91 from Seoul, July 26, the Embassy urged that the Department of State or the Department of Defense issue a press release to rebut the “distorted publicity from Korean side re proposed ROK forces reduction.” (Ibid.)
  3. Document 223.