740.00119 Control (Korea) /9–2048: Telegram
The Special Representative in Korea (Muccio) to the Secretary of State
urgent
64. Cite Zpol 10993. Remytel 62, September 20.1 Following is text of statement issued to US press correspondents by Rhee today.
[Page 1307]“If the report that the Soviet forces have decided to withdraw from North Korea by the end of this year is true, I believe they are trying to do the right thing, not only for the interests of Korea and other powers involved, but they should have done so sooner for their own interests as well. I know that US Army will not stay one day more than is necessary. The Soviet forces remain in order to make the Communist regime safe and secure in North Korea, I believe they have achieved their objective. However, they should not have entertained any fear on that account, for no armed force in the South, either Korean or foreign, ever intended to disturb the peace of the North. It is our intention, as it has been always, to solve the problem peacefully by ourselves, it is highly advisable for the Soviets to keep their hands off and allow the Korean people to settle this question free from any foreign interference.
I hope that the US will not play into the Soviet game by making any agreement without consulting us.2 Although Korea and the US have no written agreement for mutual defense, yet we have been working in unison in mutual interest of security of both nations and also for the maintenance of democratic institutions. The Koreans have been struggling under heavy odds to remain loyal to this principle, and I hope that US will do the same.[”]
Department pass to Moscow.3
- Not printed.↩
- In telegram 75, September 23, from Seoul, Ambassador Muccio commented on this sentence: “The wording of Rhee’s statement may have been motivated by local widespread rumors current that US and Soviet Union have reached secret agreement re Korea.” (740.00119 Control (Korea)/9–2348)↩
- This was done the same day.↩