Office of the Historian

795B.00/5–350: Telegram

The Chargé in Korea (Drumright) to the Secretary of State

confidential
priority
Seoul, May 3, 1950—1 p. m.

617. Re Embtels 613, 614, May 2. Consider in light yesterday’s discussions that while President strongly opposed election any considerable numbers DNP, he also genuinely concerned lest police pressures interfere with free elections, and his only planned moves attempts break up possible DNP organization through police chiefs to influence elections various districts.

President’s instructions Home Minister presence Embassy officer, and statements to Embassy officer indicate intention hereafter only transfer police chiefs if evidence secured their misuse posts for political purposes.

President made excellent statement, published in full Korean papers, May 1, on free elections, calling upon populace including police do all possible guarantee rights campaigning, free casting ballots. Text being pouched.1

Believe Embassy representations yesterday, plus President’s subsequent orders Home Minister, probably have salutary effect.2

Drumright
  1. Not printed.↩
  2. For a further report on the situation in the Republic of Korea prior to the elections, see telegram 767, May 27, from Seoul, p. 89.↩