Foreign Relations of the United States, 1947, The Far East, Volume VI

895.00/10–947: Telegram

The Political Adviser in Korea (Jacobs) to the Secretary of State

confidential

Seoul, October 9, 1947.

416. Cite Zpol 1239. Adopted four resolutions which were released to press by Rhee on October 7th.³⁵ Text follows in Seoul PolAd No. 417, October 9th.³⁶

Department will note threats contained in these resolutions which may mean that Rhee is determined to force US to hold an election before decision is reached at UN or to compel US to take action against him so that he can appear in the light of a martyr. He and his group are alone in agitating for a South Korean election before Korea question is considered by UN. Even Kim Koo and his group are not supporting Rhee in this.

It may also be observed that since subsidence of leftist activities about middle of August, the chief cause of disorder in South Korea has been the strong armed methods of Rhee’s rightist groups especially by his youth corps.

Jacobs

35. Adopted by Rhee’s “Korean National Association” on October 6.
36. Not printed.