Office of the Historian

795.00/7–2051: Telegram

The Ambassador in Korea (Muccio) to the Secretary of State

secret
Pusan, July 20, 1951—3 p. m.

65. PriMin this morning stated with ref Rhee’s ltr to General Ridgway he hoped we understood that ROK Govt had no intention claiming infallability of judgment on cease-fire issue and that ltr did not mean ROK Govt opposed cease-fire as such but that it did oppose continued division of Korea. He recognized, however, cease-fire arrangements wld probably involve such division of Korea, despite ROK point of view, he stressed seriousness of situation which we wld then face as outlined Ridgway ltr and said it was not exaggerated picture. He was very much concerned as to public and official reaction at that time and foresaw terrific defeatism consequences of which wld be dangerous not only to Korea but free world. Minimum offsetting constructive action which we cld take to help in such circumstances wld be strong effort to convince Koreans we continue stand by them. The more specific our assurances can be, the better.

As reported mytel 61, July 20, President Rhee yesterday stressed desirability from ROK standpoint of formal treaty with US. PriMin, who was aware of Rhee’s suggestion, agreed that in whatever form assurances made they shld come from US rather than UN. Despite UN record Korean war he indicated certain lack of confidence in UN citing conglomerate membership and possibility decisive action to aid Korea second time might not be forthcoming. PriMin did not seem to be particularly interested in Rhee’s ideas for treaty relationship which wld at best take long time to consummate and stressed importance of obtaining security assurances of informal nature right away; at latest by time armistice agreed. He felt that if US sincerely had intention stick by ROK in future it shld be possible for highlevel spokesman to make clear statement to that effect.1

Sent Dept 65, rptd info Tokyo 28.

Muccio

  1. The Department of State made the following reply in telegram 60, July 21, to Pusan:

    “Re urtel 65, July 20.

    “Assume you have now received and are making maximum use with Rhee of Secretary’s statement July 19 transmitted wireless bulletin same day re withdrawal foreign forces from Korea. Believe portion statement re no withdrawal UN forces until genuine peace firmly estab and Korean people have assurance against fear of aggression shld be particularly stressed with Rhee as well as consistent position of UN Deleg in ceasefire negot.” (795.00/7–1051)

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