Office of the Historian

895.00/12–1147: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Acting Political Adviser in Korea (Langdon)

confidential
us urgent
Washington, December 11, 1947—3 p.m.

285. Urtel 499, Dec 3.97 The second assassination of an important Korean political leader in less than 6 months gives excuse for critics to [Page 877] question the ability of the US to maintain law and order and thus to afford political leaders not [now?] engaged in subversive activities an opportunity to express themselves publicly and solicit support for their political beliefs. Accordingly, this second political crime would seem to warrant any vigorous action that CG USAFIK may feel can be taken to discover the instigators and to forestall further terroristic acts.

CG USAFIK may wish to consider the desirability of impressing upon influential Koreans in private of the need and his intention, particularly in view imminent arrival UN Commission, to assert his authority in fixing responsibility for any further political crimes of this character. Should it appear desirable, CG USAFIK may also wish to inform the Korean public to this effect.

In the event that Korean police or other law enforcement authorities operating under USAMGIK are found delinquent in the performance of their duties or abusing their position, with respect to political crimes, CG USAFIK might consider it desirable to have US authorities participate with them in investigations.

The foregoing is in no way a criticism of CG USAFIK but merely an expression of concern here, which we feel is shared by him, over repercussions from political crimes of this nature.

This message has been coordinated with Army.98

Lovett
  1. See footnote 80, p. 867.↩
  2. Telegram 531, December 29, from Seoul, quoted a statement issued by General Hodge on December 27 deploring the assassination of December 2 and promising in this and future cases of terrorism that “all those responsible, including all accomplices and instigators, irrespective of political party affiliation or station in life, will be summarily ordered before military courts for prompt and complete trial and given the severest punishment according to the extent of their guilt.” (895.00/12–2947)↩