895.00/11–2947: Telegram
The Acting Political Adviser in Korea (Langdon) to the Secretary of State
priority
495. Cite Zpol 1420. On November 21, 18 main groups owing allegiance to Rhee memorialized General Dean stating they had passed resolution on 19th to hold election (under Skila law) this year and that Military Governor will be asked to announce election date within one week. Indications are that Rhee intends to try to hold an election since he has called his provincial lieutenants to meeting in Seoul 1st, 2nd and 3rd December for receiving instructions. Letter delivered on 24th and on 25th four spokesmen of bloc called on Dean to obtain answer to memorial, presenting generally specious arguments for their election. Said SKIG was created arbitrarily without election, therefore their election would set up SKIG in fact as well as in name. Insisted their election would not conflict with UN election but would establish Korean representative body to cooperate and consult with UN, thereby preventing recurrence of conditions heretofore existing when special missions like Wedemeyer’s consulted only SKIG and US officials. Also if UN plans for national election failed, as they probably would, their electees could constitute truly representative popular government to meet Korean problems ahead. Their election organization was all ready and election would be speedy and easy. Delay in Skila law enforcement and substitution UN election therefore were violations of State Department’s, Hodge’s and Lerch’s promises. In no other conquered or liberated country have people been denied election. People may get out of hand.
[Page 866]Dean replied their arrangements for election would result in party not people’s election; that UN Commission not coming here to find out wishes of political parties but to conduct election for all Koreans to take part in. Said decision had been made by Commanding General that there will be no election until UN Commission gets here and itself specifies date.
In answer to direct question whether Dean would support or cooperate with their election, Dean replied that he would do neither and would not permit election. Refuting accusation that US used UN resolution on Korea as pretext to put off their election, Dean said UN election was UN undertaking and we would not show them how to do it. One spokesman then said that they would conduct election themselves and thereby absolve US of embarrassment vis-à-vis UN. Dean countered “And it will be clear to UN that there are two governments in Korea, SKIG and your party, and we will not allow it”.
On 27th, obviously in defiance of Dean’s clear-cut rejection of memorial, Rhee issued to press a bitter statement on matter including personal attack on General Hodge ending with a call to “patriotic” men and women to establish “our government through the enforcement of the general election”. Translation of statement will be given in my next telegram.79
It is believed Rhee camp fears time is playing against them since Kim Koo and his strong Independence Party on 19th publicly came out in favor of a national election. Neutrals and moderate leftists will be furnished castle in the air (probably Communist inspired) of meeting and negotiation with northern leaders under UN auspices also is gaining adherents and undermining Rhee’s immediate election plan.
Hodge requests copy this message be furnished Jacobs and that Jacobs be consulted regarding appropriate action.
- Telegram 496 not printed.↩