262. Memorandum of Conversation0
SUBJECT
- National Security Law
PARTICIPANTS
- Ambassador Yang, Embassy of Korea
- Mr. S.H. Yun, First Secretary, Embassy of Korea
- Mr. Walter S. Robertson, Assistant Secretary
- Mr. Howard L. Parsons, Director, Northeast Asian Affairs
Mr. Robertson explained that he had asked Ambassador Yang to come to the Department since we do not understand the treatment given [Page 527] the senior United States Embassy officer in Seoul on December 24, when the Korean National Assembly was in session on the National Security Law. At this session the press was admitted but the senior Embassy officer was not. Mr. Robertson explained that it is common practice around the world to invite diplomatic observers to legislative sessions except secret sessions. Since the session in question obviously was not a secret session, the United States Government wants to protest the exclusion of the United States Embassy officer. Ambassador Yang explained that he was sure there was some misunderstanding. He added that he thoroughly agreed that something was wrong in this case and that he would forward the United States protest immediately.
Mr. Robertson continued by informing Ambassador Yang that the United States Government is greatly disturbed about the manner in which the National Security Law was passed. Our reports indicate that all opposition was evicted and locked up. Ambassador Yang explained that the Democratic Party National Assemblymen were sleeping in the halls to preclude any action by the National Assembly. Under these circumstances something had to be done, since it was impossible for the National Assembly to operate. He said that following his December 5 conversation with Mr. Robertson1 he had made clear to President Rhee that Article 17, Section 5, should not be used to stop freedom of speech or freedom of the press. He explained that President Rhee had communicated in return and agreed with the Ambassador’s position. Accordingly, this particular section was amended before passage on December 24.
Mr. Robertson stated that it would appear that President Rhee has not been kept fully informed on the developments in the National Assembly. He added that President Eisenhower was so concerned about the manner in which the National Assembly passed the National Security Law that he had sent a personal letter to President Rhee. The conversation between Ambassador Dowling and President Rhee at the time of delivery of the letter led us to the interpretation that President Rhee may not have been fully informed.2 Mr. Robertson continued that it is understandable that the Government of the Republic of Korea would want to move ahead to enable the National Assembly machinery to act. However, to remove all opposition bodily in order to pass the bill does violence to democratic principles.
Mr. Robertson referred to the fact that editorials are being written in the United States press on the December 24 action in and by the National Assembly. Also, Communist propaganda is exploiting this action [Page 528] throughout the world. In addition, among Korea’s best friends this action has caused deep concern regarding the future of democratic and representative government.
Ambassador Yang stated that he was sure President Rhee would be interested and appreciate the views expressed by Mr. Robertson. He continued that the change in Article 17, Section 5, would necessitate that the Government prove that there was an intention to benefit the enemy. He added that the Communists have been importing huge sums of money to influence legislators–mostly opposition–newspapermen, etc. Although the situation in this respect is very serious, Ambassador Yang expressed his certainty that there is no intention on the part of either President Rhee or Mr. Yi Ki Poong of shutting out the opposition.
Mr. Robertson said that we understand the stated purpose of the Law but to pass it by eliminating the opposition through eviction and incarceration did violence to all democratic concepts and procedures. Ambassador Yang responded that the method which had been used was not good. However, surely the United States does not want the Republic of Korea overthrown by these people. Mr. Robertson replied that, of course, we do not want the Republic of Korea overthrown by its enemies. However, the type of action which was taken on December 24 is the kind that can lead to the eventual overthrow of the Republic of Korea by giving ammunition to the real foes of Korea. He concluded by pointing out that the whole world will be watching the Korean situation closely to see how the law is being enforced and to observe whether it is being used for the purposes stated, namely, to fight infiltration, espionage and subversion. In conclusion, Mr. Robertson again vigorously protested the exclusion of a senior Embassy officer from the National Assembly proceedings on December 24.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 795B.21/12–2958. Confidential. Drafted by Howard Parsons. This conversation was reported to the Embassy in Seoul in telegram 248, December 29. (ibid.)↩
- See Document 253.↩
- See Document 260.↩