Office of the Historian

795.00/7–1350: Circular telegram

The Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic Offices 1

secret
Washington, July 13, 1950—2 a. m.

Fol summary re Korea:

Despite heavy US air attacks Tokyo Hdqrs reports NK forces continuing strong frontal assaults on US troops. Phil Scout Veterans Assn reportedly offering 31,000 Scouts for duty with US army in FE. US taking position in Consultative Group on export controla that complete embargo on NK shld not be instituted by group but wld be welcome if instituted by individual nations in response SC res calling on UN members refrain from aiding NK. Yugo UN rep states he has changed mind on invasion ROK since obvious US not only had no intention use force but had inadequate troops Japan for Korea defense. Believes this will influence many who previously suspected US intentions Japan and FE. Turk officials and press minimizing possibility immed Sov threat against Turk but concerned possibility Sov inspired moves Balkans and Iran. Dept’s Iran desk estimates that while USSR militarily capable invade Iran any time, main threat is internal aggression which Iran security forces able handle providing econ deterioration halted and Commie Party held in check. Amemb Delhi learned Chi Commies have informed India they approve India’s efforts obtain their admission UN, maintaining issue shld be separated from Korea and that only after they and Sov are in attendance can SC “mediate” Korea and stop “US aggression” Formosa. UK doubts Chi Commies will invade Burma, believing they unready risk repercussions in Asia from assault on free state unconnected “imperialist” powers. Fr intelligence has no evidence Chi Commie buildup for invasion Indochina or for increased aid to Ho Chi-minh. ConGen Hong Kong cites reports Chi Commie troops moving into Canton and out toward North, possibly either to coast opposite Formosa or to north China.

Acheson
  1. This telegram was also sent to the missions in Amman, Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, Colombo, Damascus, Jidda, Monrovia, Tangier, and Tel Aviv; and was repeated by airgram to the missions in Addis Ababa, Kabul, Rangoon, Tripoli, and Tunis.↩