501.BB Korea/12–747: Telegram
The Acting Political Adviser in Korea (Langdon) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 31—12:38 p.m.]
507. Following is statement issued to press today by General Hodge:
“There appears to be considerable misunderstanding among certain groups of Koreans as to the purpose and operation of the United Nations Commission that is scheduled to arrive in Korea in the next few weeks. Let me state a few conditions pertaining thereto that may help to clear away fog surrounding the subject. These are based on study of the resolution adopted by the United Nation [Nations] re [sic] General Assembly and upon careful perusal of the full verbatim discussion of the Korean question in the General Assembly.
[Page 872]- 1.
- The UN Commission is not coming to Korea to consult with preselected representatives of the Korean people—that question was thoroughly threshed out in the UN political committee discussions which decided that those accepted to represent the Korean people would be those elected under observation of the UN Commission in Korea. Hence, the UN Commission is coming to Korea to observe the election of the representatives of the Korean people with them [whom] they will then consult. These representatives, in turn, are to form a Korean national government and report it to the UN Commission for acceptance. Only one election is contemplated and that will be under the observation of the United Nations.
- 2.
- There is much propaganda that the American Command will attempt to influence or to dictate to the UN Commission as to whom they will consult. This is pure fiction handed out solely to confuse the Korean people. The American Command has no control over and will make no effort to influence the UN Commission which will carry its holy mission of observing a fair election in which those elected as representatives will, in fact, truly represent the Korean people.
- 3.
- The United States Command is charged under the UN resolution with giving all possible help and support to the UN resolution with [apparent garble] after UN Commission in the accomplishment of its internationally assigned mission. I can assure you that this will be carried out to the best of our ability.
- 4.
- The UN resolution specifically provided that during the interim period preparatory to the establishment of Korean independence, steps to be taken in that direction of the United Nations General Assembly. The decision under which we are operating at present is the same resolution of which I speak in this statement, and which provides for a general election and formation of a Korean National Government followed by withdrawal of occupying troops as early as practicable and if possible within 90 days.
- 5.
- I quote paragraph 4 the United Nations resolution as approved. (Quotes text of cited paragraph.) This provides for the end of any form, kind or shape of Military Government control of the Korean National Government by the occupying powers; as soon as the UN Commission completes its work.”