740.00119 Control (Korea)/5–2347: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Political Adviser in Korea (Langdon)
97. 1. Urad No. 115 dated May 21 apparently crossed Deptel 92 same date for Hodge from Hilldring. Note particularly last para Deptel 92 and advise whether action desired.
2. Rhee’s message, read in context urad indicates to us his objective is not to obtain clarification trusteeship issue but rather to obtain unilateral statement from us modifying our position on trusteeship as stated in Moscow Declaration which would probably force open debate between ourselves and Russians to detriment of work of Commission. Statement along lines suggested by you seems to be simply a reaffirmation of Moscow Declaration concept and hence would not be likely to have any effect on Korean public opinion. On the other hand, any public statement involving departure from the Moscow concept would endanger work of the Commission.
3. However, if from your close observation of the situation at Seoul you feel that issuance of a statement by you along the lines suggested in your telegram is strategic necessity Department would interpose no objection and would appreciate opportunity to see a draft of the statement before its issuance.
4. Dept. suggests that Hodge take into account timing and manner of issuance of such a public statement, particularly from the point of view of not obstructing the orderly progress of the work of the Joint [Page 649] Commission. Specifically, Dept feels that publicly raising the trusteeship issue now might prejudice the immediate and pressing problem before the Commission of establishing provisional govt.
5. If Hodge nevertheless perceives value in making public statement on trusteeship, Dept. suggests he consider whether or not there would be advantages in doing so at a Joint Commission meeting with a view to release to the press.