795.00/9–1850
Memorandum of Conversation, by Mr. John M. Allison of the United States Delegation to the United Nations General Assembly
Subject: Korean Item in the General Assembly
| Participants: | Mr. John M. Chang, Ambassador, Republic of Korea |
| Mr. Ben C. Limb, Foreign Minister, Republic of Korea | |
| Mr. John Foster Dulles, United States Delegation | |
| Mr. John M. Allison, Principal Far Eastern Adviser, United States Delegation |
The Korean Foreign Minister, Mr. Ben C. Limb was brought in late this afternoon by the Korean Ambassador, Mr. John M. Chang. The Foreign Minister had just arrived from Korea to be present at this Session of the General Assembly and he and the Ambassador not only wished to pay their respects to Mr. Dulles but also to make clear the Korean attitude toward United Nations consideration of the Korean problem.
The Ambassador outlined three points which were of immediate concern. They were
- (1)
- The strong belief of the Korean Government and people that any United Nations solution of the Korean problem must make certain that the 38th° parallel not be perpetuated. Ambassador Chang said that the Korean Government believed that the United Nations forces should push right on to the former northern boundaries of Korea, that the North Korea army should only be permitted to surrender unconditionally and that after a suitable period had elapsed elections should be held in North Korea, under the supervision of the United Nations, to fill the hundred vacant seats in the Korean National Assembly. Ambassador Chang specifically stated that the Government of the Republic of Korea should assume sovereignty over North Korea after the defeat of the North Korea forces.
- (2)
- It was urged by the Ambassador that the Korean item be considered by the Assembly as early as possible in view of its importance.
- (3)
- Lastly, the Korean Government was concerned lest insufficient attention be given by the United Nations to the necessity for large-scale economic rehabilitation under United Nations auspices after the cessation of fighting.
With regard to point (1) Mr. Dulles made clear that the United States position remained as it had always been, namely, that any solution of the Korean problem should be in accord with previous [Page 736] United Nations resolutions all of which envisioned the establishment of an independent and united Korea. There was no disagreement according to Mr. Dulles as to the aim of achieving a free and united Korea. The only problem was a practical military problem whether it would be possible from the military point of view to carry on in areas where Soviet Russia or Communist China might intervene actively with troops. With regard to point (2) it was agreed that early consideration of the Korean item was desirable and while it was not said just when it would come up on the agenda it was believed that the Korean wishes would probably be met. With respect to point (3) Mr. Dulles pointed out that the United States was equally concerned and that serious consideration was being given as to how the United Nations might best take part in the economic rehabilitation of Korea after the war.
Mr. Dulles informed the Foreign Minister and the Ambassador that while he was not personally going to handle the Korean case in as much as Senator Austin would do this, nevertheless he was extremely interested and would pass on to the proper authorities the views of the Korean Government.
- The source text is a copy of a document in the IO Files, Department of State, bearing the designation US/A/2460 and the date September 19, 1950.↩