226. Editorial Note
The trial of Cho Pong-am and associated leaders of the Progressive Party began in the spring of 1958. (See Document 211.) On June 13 the prosecution demanded the death penalty for Cho and prison sentences for the other 22 defendants. (Airgram G–97 from Seoul, June 19; Department of State, Central Files, 795B.00/6–1958) In telegram 799 to Seoul, June 20, the Department of State expressed concern that the imposition of a death sentence upon Cho would afford the Communists excellent propaganda material and would “effectively negate any success we may have had in developing political stability and maturity in ROK not only in eyes uncommitted nations but certainly also in wide areas in remainder free world.” The Embassy was instructed to “immediately unofficially bring serious concern which Department attaches this matter [Page 462] and reasons therefor to attention such officials you consider influential in seeking avoid possibility Cho either being executed or sentenced to death.” (Ibid., 795B.00/6–2058)
On June 23 Ambassador Dowling took up the matter with Yi Ki-pung, Speaker of the National Assembly, who promised to try to prevent a death sentence. (Telegram 915 from Seoul, June 23; ibid., 795B.00/6–2358) On July 2 Cho and four other defendants were found guilty of violating the National Security Act and were given prison sentences. (Telegram 7 from Seoul, July 2; ibid., 795B.00/7–258) Cho was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment, but an appellate court changed the finding on October 25, sentenced Cho to death for espionage, and handed down prison terms for 19 other members of the Progressive Party. (Telegram 189 from Seoul, October 27; ibid., 795B.00/10–2758) Again, the Department instructed Ambassador Dowling to approach the appropriate members of the government in Seoul and warn against the implications of executing Cho. (Telegram 170 to Seoul, October 29; ibid.) Dowling agreed to discuss the matter again with Speaker Yi, but expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would reverse the decision of the appellate court. (Telegram 206 from Seoul, November 4; ibid., 795B.00/11–458) The Supreme Court, however, upheld the death sentence on February 27, 1959, and on July 31, Cho was executed. On instructions from the Department, Ambassador Dowling saw the Minister of Foreign Affairs on August 3 and conveyed U.S. disappointment over what the Department described as the “sudden and highly questionable decision” to execute Cho Pong-am. (Telegram 82 to Seoul, July 31, and telegram 88 from Seoul, August 4; ibid., 795B.00/7–3159 and
795B.00/8–459, respectively)