Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Japan; Korea, Volume XVIII

245. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Korea⁰

Washington, November 12, 1958, 7:26 p.m.

185. Re Joint State-Defense message DEF 950561 Nov 58.¹ Department understands from Defense that Air Force has instructed jets be placed storage Taiwan Japan maximum six months and eventual delivery ROK will require further Defense instructions. Understand reason for decision was recent CINCUNC message² expressing concern force reduction would not be effected if aircraft delivered now. CINCUNC’s concern puzzling in view your 174³ indicating ROK strength may already be at or below 630,000. Defense likewise puzzled and has indicated intention query CINCUNC.

President has authorized delivery jets and while military at no point have indicated immediate military necessity for presence aircraft ROK, Department has taken consistent position planes should be delivered when ready in view general situation Far East.

Request your views.

Herter

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 795.00/11–1258. Secret; No Distribution Outside Department. Drafted by Lane and approved by Robertson.
1. Document 244.
2. Not found.
3. Telegram 174, October 16, commented on President Rhee’s budget message and noted that the existing total strength of the Korean Armed Forces was 610,000 men. Adjusted to include an additional 20,000 reservists, the total did not exceed the 630,000-man ceiling proposed by the United States. (Department of State, Central Files, 895B.10/10–1658) See Supplement.