501.BB Korea/11–1747: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Political Adviser in Korea (Jacobs)
us urgent
262. UN resolution on Korea as finally passed by GA plenary Nov 14 combines and conforms to texts transmitted Deptels 25672 and 25873 except reference “First Committee recommends” changed to “GA resolves”. Should pressure for elections referred urtel 46874 warrant such action, it is suggested Gen. Hodge or an appropriate authority his command may wish state publicly US feels bound conform in every [Page 861] respect to UN resolutions on Korea, including holding of elections under observation UN Commission.
Meanwhile Dept considers it advisable Victor Hoo, Asst. Sec. Gen. UN in charge Trusteeship Affairs who has been named Head Secretariat UN Commission on Korea, be furnished info relative pressure US zone for early elections and need for immediate steps to be taken in preparation elections (such as promulgation election law registration, election polling districts, election officials, etc.) in order to meet Mar 31 deadline. This should also provide opportunity make available UN Commission data relative proposed election law and details plan to be used conducting elections. It is hoped thereby elicit request USAMGIK immediately undertake preparations for elections to be held after arrival Commission which, it is anticipated, cannot be expected before middle January. Final Soviet attitude toward UN Commission also may be determined by similar request addressed Soviet Command.
In order these highly important matters may be presented in light most recent developments Korea and providing General Hodge agrees, Jacobs should proceed immediately first available air transportation Dept for consultation.
TO 8—4964 Nov 17, 1947 authorizes transportation Washington and return and consultation approximately 8 or 10 weeks.