501.BB Korea/11–1947: Telegram
The Political Adviser in Korea (Jacobs) to the Secretary of State
482. Cite Zpol 10699. Following is text of statement, as referred to in a previous telegram, which General Hodge proposes to release shortly on the UN Commission and the holding of a general election:
“It was with much pleasure that I received the news that the General Assembly of the UN had adopted by an overwhelming majority a resolution establishing a UN Commission which will come to Korea soon to observe the holding of an election and otherwise to facilitate and expedite the setting up of an all Korean Government and the attainment of the national independence of Korea. This Commission will consist of the representatives of nine nations, four of which are Pacific and Far Eastern countries, namely, China, the Philippines, India and Australia.
[Page 863]I am authorized by my Government to inform the Korean people and their leaders that the United States Government feels bound to conform in every respect to the UN resolution on Korea, including the holding of an election under observation of the UN Commission. As the representative of the United States, I assure the peoples of Korea that I shall do my utmost to assist in the successful accomplishment of the purpose for which the UN Commission was created.
One of the first steps under the new plan will be the holding of a general election which under the resolution must be held not later than March 31, 1948. Koreans will have the widest possible participation in that election consistent with the directive of the UN Commission. I am now in communication with the authorities in Washington on this subject and hope to be able to announce soon the steps to be taken to prepare for this election. Until such announcement is made, all Koreans should await further official news on this subject. Above all they should not fall prey to propaganda and should not allow themselves to be misled by unauthorized and unofficial news concerning an election.
I am fully aware that the Korean people have endured nearly 2 years of discouragement and disappointment. This delay has occurred despite the tireless efforts of the United States and its representatives to bring about Korean independence—first through two sessions of the Joint Commission in 1946 and 1947, and then through a proposed conference of the Four Powers which subscribed to the Moscow Agreement, and finally through the recent UN action which was initiated by the United States. I hope with you that this new approach to your problem under the auspices of UN will bring to realization your long cherished dreams fully supported by the great majority of the world’s independent nations.
In order that you may read the text and study the contents of the UN resolution on Korea, it is quoted below for your information.”