895.51/8–1347
The Assistant Secretary of State for Occupied Areas (Saltzman) to Mr. Ben C. Limb, of Washington
My Dear Mr. Limb: I refer to your letter of August 13, 1947 to General Hilldring96 in which you request information on what Koreans may do to obtain additional economic assistance from the United States.
The United States, as you know, has already extended to Korea a sizeable amount of economic assistance. From May 1946 to March 1947 alone, the United States Government gave Korea $91,000,000 under the Civilian Supply Program. Approximately $10,000,000 of additional civilian supplies are now on their way to Korea. For the fiscal year 1948, the Congress of the United States has appropriated $600,000,000 for government and relief in Germany, Austria, Japan and Korea. Korea will receive its proportionate share of these funds. In addition, approximately $18,000,000 of the $25,000,000 extended to Korea by the Foreign Liquidation Commission, Department of State, has been expended for army surpluses needed in Korea. There is, however, little likelihood of any additional economic assistance in the immediate future.
[Page 787]The United States Government recognizes that Korea, as a liberated area, should, whenever possible, receive preferential treatment over ex-enemy countries.
Sincerely yours,
- Not printed.↩