740.00119 Control (Korea)/10–847: Telegram
The Political Adviser in Korea (Jacobs) to the Secretary of State
409. Cite Zpol 1234. There is a plan afoot, which is reported to have General Shtikov’s support, to bring together prominent Korean leaders of both North and South Korea. The South Korean leaders mentioned are Syngman Rhee, Kim Koo, Kimm Kiusic, Ahn Chai Hong, plus two leftists and one other rightist whose names have not been revealed. The North Korean group would consist of Kim II Sung, Kim Doo Bong, Oho Man Sik, and one other unnamed person. It will be noted that the conference is to consist of 11 leaders, 7 from South and 4 from North Korea, which follows closely the population ratio between the two areas. It should also be noted that 5 persons are unquestionably leftist, 2 so-called middle of the readers who have at various times been accused of vacillating between right and left while the remaining 4 are rightists. The general political complexion, therefore, of the committee would be predominately leftist.
The avowed purpose of the plan is to get these leaders to confer together to work out a plan for uniting Korea which would be submitted [Page 824] to the Joint Commission and transmitted by it to the governments of the Four Powers for approval.
The promoters of the plan are three little known Koreans: Chung Yun Taik, Lee Chung Suk, Son Hung Woon who are being investigated. Chung calls himself “Doctor” and considered somewhat of a “crackpot” but may not be so crazy as he seems. He and Son are definitely known to have had a conference on October 2 with Maslov of the Soviet delegation and, it is understood, to have received Soviet “blessing”. At least Chung is talking of making a visit to Pyongyang. “We also know that Rhee and Doctor Kimm Kiusic have been consulted. According to our informer, Rhee has refused to participate on the ground that the promoters wish to use him and then kick him out later. Kimm Kiusic is understood to have considered the plan more favorably as he some months ago declared himself in favor of some such plan.
This plan has all the earmarks of Soviet origin and we believe that it is being pressed at the present time on the hope that enough may come of it to enable the Soviets to declare at UN that Korean leaders could work out their destiny if all troops are withdrawn and they are left to themselves. The matter is being watched and any future developments of importance will be reported.32
- General Hodge’s telegram Zgbi 1281, October 17, from Seoul, gave further details and said the so-called plan was receiving popular attention (895.00/10–1747).↩