73. Telegram From the Commander in Chief, United Nations Command (Lemnitzer) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff 1
C 73590 (DA IN 158816). References: A. DA 986392 (S);2 B. C 73586 (S).3
Pursuant to instructions contained in Ref A and as reported in Ref B, I dispatched the following letter to Pres Rhee, at 0918001 Aug.
“It is with the deepest personal regret that I find the UNC and the ROK, both of whose armed forces fought shoulder to shoulder for over three years against a common enemy, now in a state of violent [Page 140] disagreement over the manner in which to accomplish a mutual objective. The tragic aspects of this situation stem from the fact that we have no actual disagreement in principle. We have both striven to bring about a satisfactory solution of the problems which must be overcome if the ROK is to attain security and viability as a nation.
“On 6 Aug 55, you caused to be delivered to the NNSC a letter4 which contained an ultimatum to that body to withdraw prior to 14 Aug 55 its representatives from the ports of entry in the ROK established under the terms of the AA. This letter was delivered without informing me in advance that such an action was even contemplated.
“Subsequent to the delivery of the letter referred to above, there began a series of government-inspired terroristic demonstrations and actual attempts by elements of the ROK forcibly to enter UNC military installations for the declared purpose of killing, injuring or obtaining custody of persons when this command stands pledged under the terms of the AA to protect. These actions have already resulted in a number of injuries to US military personnel and the destruction of property belonging to the US.
“In the face of these events, Mr. President, I am compelled to lodge a vigorous protest and to inform you that:
- “a. The UNC rejects any ultimatum, expressed or implied, which the ROK has directed to the NNSC and to the UNC.
- “b. The UNC will hold the Pres of the ROK and his govt strictly responsible for any interference with the operation of the AA.
- “c. The UNC is determined to protect to the full extent of its abilities and resources the lives and property entrusted to its care.”
“Sincerely”.
- Source: Department of State, NA Files: Lot 59 D 407, Defense Cables Aug–Dec 1955. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to Seoul for Ambassador Lacy.↩
- Telegram DA 986392 to CINCUNC, August 9, instructed Lemnitzer to inform President Rhee that the U.N. Command rejected his ultimatum to the NNSC and would hold the Republic of Korea responsible for any interference with the operation of the armistice. If the danger of violence to the NNITs became serious, Lemnitzer was authorized to remove them to the demilitarized zone. (Ibid.)↩
- Lemnitzer indicated, in telegram C 73586 to the JCS, August 9, that he planned to visit Rhee on August 10 to reinforce the letter transmitted in C 73590. He added that he had just received another letter from Acting Foreign Minister Cho in which Cho argued that the Republic of Korea was forced to act to expel the NNSC because the United States had failed to live up to previous promises to help eliminate the problem of the NNSC. Lemnitzer felt that the letter had been drafted by Rhee, was offensive in language, and did not merit a reply. (Ibid.)↩
- See Document 70.↩