501/6–3050: Circular telegram
The Secretary of State to All Diplomatic Missions and Certain Consular Offices 1
Dept making every effort keep you fully informed significant developments far as possible by Wireless Bulletin, especially statements by US officials.
Widespread support SC res on Korea and US action in support of res continue. Pessimism and gloom in Phil have been succeeded by vigorous approval US actions which viewed as support of democracy in Asia. Thai FonMin stressed Thai allegiance democratic camp. While some apprehension exists in Thailand that hostilities may spread, Pres statement expected encourage Thai resistance to Commies. [Page 256] [Burmese] PriMin “greatly encouraged” by SC and US stand, without which he believes he cld not have resisted left wing efforts align Burma with Sov bloc. In connection India’s acceptance SC June 27 res, high-ranking official Indian FonOff has congratulated AmAmb on US courage and determination. Official Fr circles describe US action as brilliant statesmanship.
Neth response overwhelmingly favorable, even enthusiastic. Neth Govt, in response to SC res, considering sending naval units to Korea from Indo. Initial Belg pessimism displaced by “immense uplift”; Belg govt has publicly approved US action “without reservation”. Fr and Turk Ambs Moscow, who believe US took only possible means saving entire FE, fear Iran may be next victim Sov pressure tactics. Their Ital colleague also considers US move only one to save Asia but doubts wisdom linking Formosa with Korea and feels peace is precarious, especially in Balkans. Den feels US took only possible course, while Dan FonOff indicated accord. Swed Govt stated merely for time being it unnecessary Swed take an attitude on SC res since “Swed has no connection with North Koreans”.2 Swiss jubilant at confrontation Moscow by overwhelming strength non-Commie world, while chief Swiss Commie daily leads with article on gymnastic competition. Turk FonMin concurs in US action as only proper thing to do, and has Turk support. Cuban Govt supports US completely and would welcome suggestions on assistance it might offer. Dir Gen Mex dpl service considers the “about-face” in handling of US fon rels during last 10 years most striking in history. El Salvador, in token its support, will probably embargo exports to North Korea. According press, Guat informed UN it views with concern Korean problem and is cheered by hope measures taken by UN may re-establish world peace. Pan announced it will cooperate with US efforts to maintain world peace, particularly defense Pan Canal. Parag FonMin see US leadership enormously strengthened, democracy strengthened, and Atlantic Pact revitalized. Parag will support measures taken by UN. Remarkable unanimity of agreement with US decisions reported in Ecuador while US prestige has taken “sudden jump”. Ecuador FonMin offered his country’s entire moral support and such material support as it can extend. Peru’s complete solidarity expressed in official communiqué. Braz, although concerned lest another world war develop, welcomes our decision to avoid “another Munich”, Braz Govt has cabled full support to UN. Arg Govt accorded UN its full support and has ratified the Rio treaty. Arg Amb in Panama states faith of [Page 257] other nations in US wisdom and leadership has risen to new heights.
In connection reports 60 percent casualties (killed, wounded, missing) suffered by Republic Korea forces, Dept learns operating efficiency Republic Govt greatly reduced because govt had been highly centralized and few subordinate officials evacuated from Seoul.
Dept informed Pol Adv Tokyo that owing importance of UN Comm on Korea reporting in enlisting support from Republic and US position in UN, it hopes SCAP will extend Comm every facility. Advance party of Comm has returned Korea, rest will follow. New principal secretary appointed3 and instructed keep Comm role prominent. UN Secretariat has emphasised to Austral and may to other members UN Comm on Korea necessity strong representation. Dept learns Salvador, Canada, and Phil will join Austral in sending additional mil observers.
- The code room was instructed to send this telegram to Hong Kong, Singapore, and to the U.S. Political Adviser in Tokyo.↩
- On July 3, the Swedish Foreign Minister (Unden) formally indicated to Secretary-General Lie the support of his Government for the June 25 and 27 resolutions of the Security Council, while at the same time pointing out that no diplomatic, commercial, or maritime relations existed between Sweden and North Korea (U.N. document S/1564).↩
- Presumably, this is a reference to the appointment of Colonel Katzin as Personal Representative of Trygve Lie in Korea; Bertil Renborg remained as Principal Secretary of UNCOK. See telegram 566, June 29, from New York, received at 12: 35 a. m. on June 30, p. 246.↩