795.00/7–1450: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Korea
16. Press report June [July] 13 quotes Pres Rhee as voicing determination ROK not to stop at 38th parallel in repelling invaders. Same report quotes US Army spokesman, presumably in Korea, as stating US forces will not only stop 38th parallel but will use force if necessary to prevent ROK troops from advancing beyond that line.
In order not prejudice US position this important and explosive question, Dept feels every effort shld be made to avoid official statements or other public discussion of course of action to be taken at such time as northern forces expelled from South Korea. This particularly true of any statements, such as that cited above, which cld be taken by Koreans as prejudging US attitude toward 38th parallel.
Foregoing views being conveyed also to Defense.1
- At his news conference on July 13, in answer to a question on whether the “police action” in Korea would be carried north of the 38th parallel, President Truman replied: “I will make that decision when it becomes necessary to do it.” (Public Papers of the Presidents of the united States: Harry S. Truman, 1950, p. 523)↩