234. Telegram From the Embassy in Korea to the Department of State0
47. Defense Minister has come to me privately to say that when he saw President Rhee few days ago on concrete plans or reduction of forces, latter reacted strongly, saying reduction this stage of world affairs was out of question. He said he had hoped to announce retirement 20th and 22nd divisions Aug. 25, but this will now be impossible.
Kim added it was unfortunate that long delay in U.S. study of revision Annex B of Agreed Minute had resulted in failure resolve issue before [Page 478] mideast crisis. I said I thought there had been equal delays on ROK side, and had they taken reasonable attitude at beginning, we should have completed agreement last year. I must admit, however, there is some validity to his argument, as delay since he obtained President Rhee’s approval in principle last February (UK 977867)1 has undoubtedly encouraged latter to believe he could get away with further stalling.
In circumstances, I believe we must give Defense Minister some additional time to resolve issue with President Rhee; if delay not too long, reduction can still be accomplished by December 31. I would not, however, recommend extension of time for reduction beyond that date, and intend discuss matter with General Decker with view to formulation joint recommendations.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 795.00/8-156. Secret; Limited Distribution; No Distribution Outside Department.↩
- See footnote 3, Document 214.↩