740.00119 Control (Korea)/8–2247: Telegram
The Political Adviser in Korea (Jacobs) to the Secretary of State
296. Zurc 1054. Chief Soviet delegate Shtikov called press conference 1500 hours 22 August and released statement made at 54th session77 as mentioned second paragraph Seoul PolAd No. 289, August 20. Complete translation of that statement reveals that Soviet delegation is charging that arrests complained of are creating conditions in South Korea which impede fulfillment of the Moscow decision on Korea and the agreement reached between Secretary Marshall and Foreign Minister Molotov, and that this situation is being created for purpose of undermining the work of Joint Commission.
When press representatives called on General Brown regarding release he read to them what he had replied to General Shtikov at the 54th session as follows:
“The American delegation will need time to have this document translated and prepare reply. Listening to the document, it is the opinion of the Chief Commissioner of the American delegation that the Soviet delegation is attempting to interfere in the conduct of the Government of South Korea. It is not the function of the Joint Commission to govern Korea but to prepare plans which will establish a government which in the future will govern Korea. There are others who have present responsibility for governing Korea. The American delegation will reply to the statement at a later date.”
We consider it highly improper for the chief Soviet delegate to release statement of this kind criticizing the authorities of South Korea. Such action on his part is in keeping with other propaganda activities of the Soviet delegation in Seoul as reported in Seoul PolAd No. 234, July 25.
The question is now posed as to how far the Commanding General can permit the Soviet delegation to abuse the privileged position which [Page 763] it occupies to criticize publicly the authorities of South Korea. We are, however, somewhat restrained in deciding upon what should be done because we have feeling that the Soviet delegation may be seeking to provoke the Commanding General to some action which will enable that delegation to blame the US for a break up of the Joint Commission. We seem to sense they realize they are out on a limb over the consultation question and that if a long recess or break occurs for that reason, they will bear the responsibility.
The American delegation is considering its reply which will be made to the Soviet delegation at the next meeting, probably next week, with a view to release to the press immediately thereafter.
- Text of statement was transmitted to the Department in despatch 59, August 23, from Seoul, not printed.↩