795B.00/6–950: Telegram
The Ambassador in Korea (Muccio) to the Secretary of State
834. ReEmbtel 829 June 9. North Korean “Democratic Front for Attainment of Unification of Fatherland” appeal of June 7 expedite peaceful unification of Korea. Doubtless originated by USSR. Its overt development began June 1, when according Pyongyang radio, Lee Yong, Chairman Central Committee Laboring People’s Party (Communist front organization formerly in South Korea), published article in two Pyongyang newspapers proposing that June 27, 1949, appeal DFAUF be reviewed for purpose “expediting peaceful unification” country. Central Committee DFAUF announcing June 5 that at fifth meeting had studied Lee Yong’s proposal and “opinions expressed in support thereof by leaders political parties and social organizations affiliated with DFAUF;” that agreement was reached by leaders those parties and organizations; that 11 member committee had been charged with drafting appeal incorporating new agreement; that expanded meeting Central Committee DFAUF would be called June 7. Meeting met as scheduled on June 7 and promptly issued its new appeal.
[Page 100]As political move DFAUF appeal may be lead from weakness as results success May 30 elections and North Korea failure “frustrate” them in any significant measure although in this connection it should fee noted DFAUF appeal apparently in process development before May 30. Since NK now lacks capacity push its guerrilla activity in ROK to extent of undermining stability government perhaps present appeal intended serve as substitute therefor.
As propaganda move, however, appeal seizes initiative. Its superficial reasonableness may be attractive to large body South Korea public opinion which still yearns for elimination 38th parallel left unsatisfied by pre-election promises National Assembly candidates. New appeal may be intended tempt some newly elected but as yet unaffiliated middle of road Assembly men, few of whom represent body confused liberal opinion which looked with favor on Nanking [North Korea]–South Korea joint meetings two years ago1 and still possibly not wholeheartedly antagonistic to Nanking [North Korean] regime.
Fact that specific dates for elections (August 5–13)2 and first session new all-Korea Assembly in Seoul (August 15) were given may be considered dangerous from viewpoint sound propaganda. These dates, however, conceivably may serve as convenient peg upon which hang argument that increased guerrilla warfare and Communist subversive activity only method by which Korea can be unified. They conceivably might also serve as preliminary step toward all-out civil war, although seems improbable.
Broadcast June 8 stated three persons (one identified here as Korean-Soviet, formerly Red Army Master Sergeant, now Major General, internal security; others unknown) will wait at Yohyun station just north 38th parallel from 10 a. m. to 5 p. m., June 10, deliver 300 copies DFAUF statement.
UNCOK broadcasting 1815 brief statement reiterating deep concern for unification through free elections, desire examine any sincere proposals, welcoming what appears first offer open border at 38th parallel. Understand UNCOK considered, rejected proposal proceed Yohyun tomorrow; rejection based on uselessness going to receive copy letter whose contents already known.
ROK planning broadcasts emphasizing deep concern unification, but insisting must be through free elections UK under UNCOK observation; will repeat portions recent Rhee, Singh, Jamieson broadcasts.3 Possibly some recently elected “middle roaders” will be put on [Page 101] air telling why reject North Korea and support ROK. General plan emphasize intention unify without making specific reference DFAUF proposals. KA alerted against possible border incidents.
Department pass Moscow, sent Department 834, repeated information Moscow unnumbered.
- See telegram 291, April 30, from Seoul, Foreign Relations, 1948, vol. vi, p. 1184.↩
- See footnote 2 to telegram 829, June 9, from Seoul, supra. ↩
- Concerning the broadcasts by Messrs. Singh and Jamieson, see footnote 5 to despatch no. 474, May 5, from Seoul, p. 74; the text of a broadcast to the people of North Korea by President Rhee on May 6 is printed in U.N. document A/1350, p. 17.↩