85. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Korea1
105. Assistant Secretary informed Yang this afternoon2 he hoped Yang would not press us on UN membership as we now convinced it not in best interest either ROK or free world for US to initiate separate item on 14th GA calendar re Korean membership UN. Parsons pointed out that (1) no other application on agenda hence undesirable risk erosion good will of Korea’s regular supporters by asking them to go through fruitless exercise; (2) at 12th GA Indian effort to bracket ROK application with others defeated by slender margin of 4 votes; (3) recent events such as passage security and local autonomy legislation, suspension Kyong Hyang Shinmun, execution Cho Bong-am, although matters obviously within jurisdiction ROKG had not made it easier for Korea’s friends arouse active support this year. Yang offered usual defense ROKG actions citing Communist threat, etc. At close Parsons assured him we would give full support to ROK on unification item and would mention membership problem and encourage other friendly states to do so in connection with debate on same; and perhaps in other contexts when appropriate. He added that we intended bring up Korean membership question whenever SC or GA next considers any other membership application unless circumstances presently unforeseen should convince ROK or US such move inappropriate at such time.