501.BB Korea/12–247: Telegram
Lieutenant General John R. Hodge to the Secretary of State
Cite Zgcg 1427. Instigated by Syngman Rhee and his followers are many embarrassing questions arising among heretofore reasonable Korean rightist political groups as to the future of the UN commission [Page 867] and of the general election in South Korea in case the Soviets refuse to cooperate with the UN Commission. Also, news dispatches from US are pessimistic about any success of UN Commission in Korea and tend to discourage the Koreans.
Careful perusal of the General Assembly resolution gives no answer to these queries and no indication of UN attitude toward or probable action in South Korea alone in case Soviets do not cooperate, being so worded as to relate only to all of Korea. The unanswered questions pertaining to the fate of South Korea are adding to the fuel of Syngman Rhee’s demands for an announcement of a general election in South Korea now, without waiting for the UN Commission to announce its plans.
It is believed that except for Syngman Rhee and his close followers that most Koreans (except Communists) are willing to cooperate with UN Commission and US authorities but they would like to have some assurance that the general election will go on in South Korea, even if Soviets do not cooperate.
It is not known here whether or not the US can make any predictions or promises of action for South Korea alone. At present I am forced to remain quiet in face of growing criticism and demands by rightist groups for answers, which situation gives Rhee and now growing following a chance to criticize and to work up demonstrations demanding announcement of date for an early Korean election. Some statement or indication that South Korea will have an election in any eventuality would take away their initiative to a great extent.
The Koreans are becoming more and more restive as days pass and no announcements are made as to the when, what, how, etc., of the UN Commission. The failure of past panaceas and promises of action to produce results toward their independence makes Korean patience grow thin, and makes them subject to fast agitation by demagogues.
If possible at this time a firm announcement, either by the UN Commission or by the US Government, giving the Koreans something to tie to would be of considerable assistance in combatting heavy pressure and controlling a difficult political situation. Even the public announcement of the plans of the UN Commission would help.80
- In telegram 499, December 3, from Seoul, Mr. Langdon reported further political developments, including the assassination of Chang Duk Soo, leader of the Hankook Democratic Party, and urged the Department to send news about UN developments to help combat “drift away from reality” in Korea (895.00/12–347).↩