Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, The Far East and Australasia, Volume VI

740.00119 Control (Korea)/11–1948: Telegram

The Special Representative in Korea (Muccio) to the Secretary of State

confidential
priority

Seoul, November 19, 1948.

222. Cite Zpol 1941. Following is my comment concerning current agitation retention US troops Korea culminating in Rhee cable President Truman (remytel 219, November 19).

1. Jolt over Yosu uprising, accentuated by Communist successes North China, has made Koreans fearfully aware indications of preparations US Army withdrawal. Past two weeks, Rhee has sought almost daily some statement from me that US Army not withdrawing. This clamor now taken up by Assembly and press.

2. Gen. Coulter and I have repeatedly emphasized to President, Prime Minister, and Minister Home Affairs that Korean security forces 50,000 constabulary, 35,000 police, and 3,000 coast guard are capable maintaining internal order. We have pointed out that first need today is for calm confidence and for constant awareness all non-Communists whether in or outside government that Communists are real enemy. Coulter and I repeated Rhee today that US position is same as outlined Department’s statement September 20 (Deptel 35, September 20), and pointed out that increasing effectiveness Korean security forces makes possible certain reshuffling American forces this area. Final US determination timing and circumstances definite withdrawal Korea, however, will not crystallize until after UN consideration Korean question. I assured Rhee US had no intention abandon Korea and expressed confidence both UN and US appreciated need sufficient time train Korean security forces. I dare not go beyond such generalizations lest Rhee, in one of his emotional moments, blurt forth that I said we are not withdrawing, thus playing into hands Pyongyang and Moscow.

Puss GADel Paris.¹

Muccio

1. This was done November 20.