795.00/9–850
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Officer in Charge of Korean Affairs (Emmons)
Subject: Problems Relating to Korea.
| Participants: | Dr. John M. Chang, Korean Ambassador. |
| Mr. Dean Rusk, Assistant Secretary. | |
| Mr. Arthur B. Emmons, Officer in Charge of Korean Affairs. |
Ambassador Chang of the Korean Embassy called on Mr. Rusk at three o’clock this afternoon at his own request. The Ambassador mentioned that he had heard that the forthcoming meeting of the Foreign Ministers might discuss the Korean problem and felt that it was important that the point of view of the Korean Government be made known. He added that he is being frequently approached by members of the press and others on what the Republic of Korea position is with respect to the question of the 38th Parallel and to the future solution of the Korean problem. He remarked that he was often forced into the position of having to make some reply to such questions and that in these replies he had taken the position that the Republic of Korea no longer recognized the existence of the 38th Parallel and that the future solution to the question of Korean unification and independence must be based on the United Nations resolutions in this respect.
The Ambassador stated that his Government would not be satisfied with any solution which did not envisage the complete subduing of the Communist military forces and the removal of the North Korean regime. He added that there was now much talk about the holding of new elections throughout Korea; his Government felt that its authority should be extended over North Korea following a cessation of hostilities, and that the integrity of the present National Assembly, elected last May, should not be prejudiced by further special elections in South Korea under the United Nations.
Mr. Rusk pointed out that the United States could not now assume a definite position upon the problem of the 38th Parallel and, at this stage, would not support any predetermined line of action in relation to it, since the problem was one for decision by the United Nations [Page 710] at the proper time. He therefore hoped that, in any public statements which the Ambassador might make, no position would be taken with respect to future policy towards Korea which would necessitate an open commitment on this problem by the United States at this time, inasmuch as we are not in a position fully to support the apparent attitude of the Republic of Korea on the question of the 38th Parallel under present circumstances.
In reply to the Ambassador’s question concerning the Foreign Minister’s meeting, Mr. Rusk stated that the general question of Korea would undoubtedly be discussed and that such discussion would probably revolve around what further long range action the respective governments could take in seeking a solution to the Korean problem through the medium of the United Nations. He added that he did not think that the specific matter of the 38th Parallel would necessarily be discussed.
Ambassador Chang suggested that his mission prepare, for the use of the Department, a memorandum on the position of the Republic of Korea Government with regard to the future of Korea. Mr. Rusk agreed that this would be a good idea but asked that the memorandum be phrased in such a way that no reply from the Department would be called for at this time. The Ambassador agreed.
The Ambassador then referred to the question of the formation of a Korean relief society, stating that he understood meetings were now being held in New York concerning this matter, at which Mr. Kim of his Embassy was present. He hoped that an early decision would be reached concerning the establishment of such a society.
The Ambassador raised the question of the supply of M–1 rifles to South Korean civilians corps in aid of the war effort, pointing out the importance which his Government placed on the early delivery of such arms. Mr. Rusk replied that, according to his latest information, supplies of such arms were being expedited and that this program appeared to be well under way.
The Ambassador next raised the matter of Paul M. Ro (Ki Nam Ro) the Korean Catholic Bishop of Seoul who was now in Tokyo. He stated that Bishop Ro’s Cathedral in Seoul, together with his residence and a seminary, had recently been destroyed by American bombers. The Bishop was very anxious to get a visa for the United States, in order to collect funds for the restoration of his Cathedral, and the Ambassador said the Maryknoll Society and several of the American Catholic Archbishops, including Cardinal Spellman, had offered to assist him. He added that the Bishop did not speak much English but that he had a priest in the United States who could help him in this regard. He wished to lend the support of his Embassy to the Bishop’s request for a visa.
[Page 711]Mr. Rusk asked the Ambassador’s opinion concerning the possibility that the Chinese Communists might intervene militarily in Korea. The Ambassador did not think that the Peiping regime would do so on the grounds that the Chinese Communists would not want to make open war against the United Nations. He felt any such intervention as might be made would be limited to the covert supplying of “volunteers” to the North Korean forces.
The Ambassador stated that Louise Yim and Mr. Cynn, both currently members of the Korean National Assembly and now in the United States, would appreciate an opportunity to call upon the Secretary to pay their respects. He added that Miss Yim, who was shortly to return to Korea, also would like to see the President if this could be arranged. Mr. Rusk made no commitment on this.