255. Telegram From the Embassy in Korea to the Department of State0
266. Reference 255.1 National Security bill passed without change by LP members Assembly Legislation–Justice Committee in three minute session yesterday. When all DP members few minutes late to committee, LP seized opportunity cut off further committee discussion.
72 DP and 5 Independent assemblymen began sit-down strike Assembly Hall last night. Atmosphere tense this morning and scheduled Assembly meeting not held after fighting broke out in attempt clear democrats from Assembly Hall. Asked if possible reach compromise during plenary discussion, Minister Finance, who among top LP leaders, told Embassy officer he believed too late and bill probably be passed by Assembly within next few days.2 In response officer’s remark probably seriously adverse international repercussions, Minister commented cynically that contrary to Embassy’s professed fears as yet no repercussion American press.
As Dept aware, I believe only way convince LP and government of need eliminate restrictive press provisions proposed bill is through critical reaction American press. Although little time left, I urge make every effort stimulate press coverage. News services should of course send any critical comment to Seoul.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 795B.34/12–2058. Secret; Priority. There is no time of transmission on the source text.↩
- In telegram 255 from Seoul, December 16, Dowling indicated his concern that the Liberal Party would attempt to “muzzle” the political opposition in advance of the 1960 elections unless there was a strong public reaction from the United States. (Ibid., 795B.00/12–1658) See Supplement.↩
- On December 22, the Embassy reported, in telegram 267 from Seoul, that little progress had been made in efforts to find a solution to the National Security Bill controversy. Closed-door sessions between members of the Liberal and Democratic Parties had been broken off. (Department of State, Central Files, 795B.00/12–2258) See Supplement.↩