795.00/6–3053: Telegram
No. 117
The Secretary of
State to the Embassy in the
Republic of China
1092. For the Ambassador. Please transmit following message to Chiang Kai-shek from the President:
“Dear Mr. President: I have received your message to me of June 231 concerning a mutual security arrangement between the United States and the Republic of Korea. My letter to President Rhee of June 6 stated my position on this question.
It is obvious that free world unity is a fundamental necessity in the face of the aggressive Communist threat to world peace. Indeed, it has been through unprecedented unity of action that the aggressor has been repulsed in Korea. Unity and common purpose, however, must inevitably imply certain sacrifices and certain limitations on freedom of action on the part of all partners in a common effort. Very heavy sacrifices have been made willingly by the United States and by the other participating members of the United Nations in response to the Korean plea for help from the free world. In this united effort against aggression no one nation can afford to take unilateral action.
The United States, as a loyal member of the United Nations, is deeply concerned for the future welfare and security of the Korean people. We have indicated to President Rhee our willingness, under appropriate conditions, to enter into a mutual security arrangement with the Government of the Republic of Korea. I am sure that you will agree, however, that for such an agreement to be effective it must of necessity be based on mutual understanding, cooperation and shared responsibility in achieving the common objective. Without these a mutual security pact would be unworkable and meaningless. The assurance of this cooperation is therefore prerequisite to the conclusion of such a pact. Sincerely, Dwight D. Eisenhower.”
- See telegram 1325 from Taipei, Document 113.↩