895.00/2–2047
The Political Adviser in Korea (Langdon) to the Secretary of State
confidential
No. 94
Seoul, February 20,
1947.
Sir: There is transmitted herewith for the
information of the Department copy of a paper, “Development of a
Political Program,” prepared February 4, 1947 for the Commanding
General, United States Army Forces in Korea, by Major General Albert E.
Brown, Chief Commissioner of the American delegation U.S.–U.S.S.R. Joint
Commission for Korea.
The paper recapitulates policies for south Korea prescribed by the United
States Government, presents in clear outline the main elements and
recent developments in internal politics in our zone, discusses the
problems raised by these facts in the execution of United States
policies, and makes recommendations for action.
In a letter dated February 10, addressed to this Office, General Hodge
stated:
“The recommendations contained in Section III of Memorandum dated
4 February 1947 from Joint Commission to CG XXIV Corps, Subject: Development of a Political
Program, are approved as a statement of policy of this
headquarters for political development.
“Paragraph 4 of approved recommendations is not construed as
intending that replacements will be made from leftists whose
aims are inimical to American and Korean interests.”
It is believed that the Department will find the paper not only concisely
but yet comprehensively informative and a useful reference background of
the changing political scene in southern Korea as it is reported to the
Department.
Respectfully yours,
[Enclosure—Extract]
Paper Prepared by Major General Albert E. Brown,
February 4, 1947
Development of a Political Program
. . . . . . .
II. Conclusions.
. . . . . . .
4. The intensive organized efforts of the extreme rightist bloc
together with the much publicized activities of Dr. Rhee, Syngman in
the United States, has brought the trusteeship issue so sharply into
focus in southern Korea that it eclipses and probably will
overshadow
[Page 608]
for some time
all other political issues. Certain political leaders will continue
to keep anti-trusteeship and allied political matters to the
forefront as a sure-fire issue with powerful, even potentially
explosive, political appeal. The return of Dr. Rhee will intensify
this campaign.
III. Action Recommended.
- 1.
- That efforts be continued to develop representative democratic
government in southern Korea.
- 2.
- That the Interim Legislative Assembly be encouraged to
reconvene under the leadership of Dr. Kimm, Kiusic as chairman
and that the legislature be guided and persuaded into
consideration of a constructive legislative program in order to
convince the people of its usefulness.
- 3.
- That effort be made to strengthen and extend the prestige of
the Coalition Committee in order to encourage, to the maximum
extent, the formation of a real “middle of the road” political
party.
- 4.
- That the power in government of the extreme rightist bloc be
gradually reduced by replacement of the members of the
bloc.
- 5.
- That the Coalition Committee be persuaded to enlarge and
revise its “seven principles” to secure more general acceptance
of its program for political unification.
- 6.
- That a vigorous educational campaign be instituted at once to
inculcate among Koreans more realistic consideration and
acceptance of the Moscow Agreement.
- 7.
- That in the furtherance of political objectives economic
assistance from the United States, such as locomotives,
fertilizers, food, etc., be given wider publicity.
- 8.
- That “Koreanization” of the government be played up in such a
way as to reflect more of the “credit” for its consummation on
the Assembly.
