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

272. Telegram From the Embassy in Korea to the Department of State⁰

Seoul, May 11, 1959, 6 p.m.

619. Last-minute session “consultative committee” this morning failed break deadlock on terms permitting committee continue efforts reach compromise settlement opposition demands amendment national security and local autonomy laws and Liberal insistence on “normalization” National Assembly. Following meeting, both sides released statements placing on other responsibility for failure of committee and seeking vindication public opinion for their respective positions.

As of time breakdown, respective positions appeared be:

1) Liberals–contingent opposition agreement no further debate December 24 incident and resumption normal legislative activity, and when agreement reached on other eight agenda items Vice Speaker Han Hui-sok and Legislation-Justice Committee Chairman Kim Ui-jun would resign; Liberals would agree to form special committee study amendment issue but would give no advances assurance on outcome.

2) Democrats–Democrats would agree “normalize” Assembly and continue bipartisan efforts reach compromise on amendment issue if Han and Kim resign immediately and unconditionally and if Liberals would indicate willingness make “some” amendment two controversial laws.

“New” faction member Chu Yo-han told Embassy officer just before announcement breakdown that opposition, at strategy meeting May 9, had decided go so far as give up insistence on Liberal advanced commitment on amendment issue, but only if Han and Kim would resign immediately and unconditionally. Chu indicated Democrats anxious to avoid breakoff compromise talks at least for several more days. If this in fact case, it appears Democrats did not choose or did not have opportunity advance this proposal before collapse committee. Yun Chesul, DP “old” faction member committee, told Embassy FSL this morning following breakdown that at opening of session Liberals appeared receptive DP statement position but later attitude hardened. According Yun, Change Liberal attitude followed receipt “call from Chinhae,” presumably from Speaker Yi Ki-bung. Embassy, however, not yet able confirm this account from other sources.¹

Now expected plenary Assembly sessions will resume tomorrow. Opposition members have informed Embassy officers they first plan open interpellations on Kyonghyang case and then return to questioning concerning use auxiliary guards on December 24 which still on Assembly agenda. Liberals have indicated they do not intend try head off Kyonghyang debate. If, however, opposition attempts resume extended debate on December 24 incident, probable Liberals will move close debate under existing Assembly rules. Further opposition obstructionist tactics likely increase pressure within Liberal Party for substantial change National Assembly law in effort frustrate such opposition tactics.

Dowling

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 795B.5/5–1159. Confidential.
1. In despatch 703 from Seoul, June 3, the Embassy concluded: “The course of these negotiations suggests that certain general factors, including predispositions of the negotiators and their principals, tactical errors, factionalism, and lack of strong motivation, were as much responsible for this failure as the nature of the issues involved.” The Embassy added “this failure suggests that so long as the present balance of power within and between the two major parties continue, new political crises are certain to arise which will increase the danger of an even more sweeping departure from the democratic system than occurred on December 24.” (Ibid., 795B.00/6–359) See Supplement.