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

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

Washington, February 24, 1960, 7:55 p.m.

618. Seoul’s 626,¹ rptd info: Tokyo 199, CINCPAC 88. Dept fully appreciative deep discouragement facing Chang Myon and Democratic Party over apparent lengths to which Liberal Party prepared to go to win forthcoming vice presidential election.² However re Chang’s doubts as to advisability his continuing in race and his fears re possible assassination Dept concurs in line you have taken with Chang in emphasizing (1) problem basically Korean and one which he must resolve in terms of what is best for Korea and (2) reaffirmation our firm belief in free expression of popular will through elections and importance in democratic processes of two-party system. We particularly concur in and believe you should seize every opportunity to emphasize point you made with Chang that US would deplore any action depriving opposition of equal opportunity before electorate.

Dept becoming increasingly concerned over reports of undemocratic practices being employed by ROKG looking forward presidential elections which you and others [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] indicate are taking place. If confirmed, these practices will undoubtedly contribute to further deterioration of ROK standing here. This will pose serious problem with Congress and press, particularly in view timing of Congressional consideration MSP, and we would expect to be questioned closely this score.

We would hope press will be present for election and for reasonable period preceding, although it not now apparent that press presence in final analysis will serve to alter conduct or results election.

Dillon

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 7958.00/2–2460. Confidential. Drafted by Lane, cleared by Bane and J. Graham Parsons. Repeated to Tokyo and CINCPAC for POLAD.
1. In telegram 626 from Seoul, February 17, McConaughy reported that during his condolence call on Vice President Chang Myon, following the death of Cho Pyong-ok (see footnote 1, Document 288), Chang had expressed deep discouragement over prospects facing him and the Democratic Party in the impending elections. He referred to what he said were increasingly fraudulent campaign practices by the Liberal Party, expressed concern that he might be assassinated, and indicated that he was considering withdrawing from the race. McConaughy reported that in response to Chang’s request for advice, he had stated that the United States could not express a partisan interest in course of the election, but would deplore any action that would deprive the opposition of an equal opportunity before the electorate. He added that the United States regarded the Democratic Party as “loyal opposition.” (Ibid., 895B.41/2–1760)
2. On February 3, the Rhee government announced that national elections for President and Vice President would be held on March 15. (Telegram 584 from Seoul, February 4; ibid., 795B.00/2–460)