320/10–550: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Netherlands
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401. Dept understands that Neth Rep been instructed introduce in Plenary Session GA tomorrow amendment to Resolution on Kor of which they a sponsor passed by Comite 1 on Oct 4 to effect that operation of Resolution be suspended for 2 weeks period in order further explore possibilities negotiated settlement and inferentially require suspension mil operations across 38th parallel during that period.
Accordingly Rusk called in Amb Van Roijen and spoke to him along fol lines. Fol successful landings at Inchon, North Kor forces have been withdrawing as rapidly as possible with obvious intent reforming and regrouping behind 38th parallel. They have shown no [Page 885] indication whatever of intent comply with Gen MacArthur’s call upon them cease hostilities and are continuing hold UN prisoners and civilian internees. Supplies in very considerable quantities are continuing flow into North Kor from northern borders and there is every indication that they intend vigorously continue hostilities.
UN forces are now carrying out necessary re-grouping and reorganization in area around Seoul and while not expected will be in position renew attack northward for few days, obviously vital they do so as quickly as possible, there being direct correlation between length of period during which North Kors are able to re-group and re-equip and the subsequent casualties UN forces.
Re Chi Commie, it is our view that it is not quest of whether they are going to participate in Kor affair but only of degree of participation. Since beginning of Kor affair, Chi Commie have in defiance of UN given polit logistic and mil assistance to North Kor forces. Major portion North Kor spearhead was composed of Chi Commie troops of Kor racial origin and Manchuria is very important line of communication and source of supply for North Kors. Kor race of such troops no justification for such illegal assistance. Our estimate present indirect and implied threats of Chi Commie intervention directed at dissuading certain UN members from support UN action in Kor rather than genuine fear UN operations threat to Chi. We have used every possible method, public as well as indirect, to assure Chi Commie that UN operations no threat and that US has no desire for bases or special position in Kor, and if considered useful, Dutch Rep in Peiping cld so inform Chi. Obviously, with failure with Commie mil adventure in Kor, USSR and Chi Commie now hope to gain by delays, confusion and polit means what they were unable to gain by mil aggression.
In view of above facts, Amb was requested urgently inform Neth Govt our objections to course which it apparently has in mind. Amb indicated he wld immediately telephone Fon Off and cable foregoing classified info.
You shld immediately call upon For Min and in light foregoing info urge in strongest terms that Neth Govt not take proposed action.1
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On October 6, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Merchant) recorded the following memorandum of conversation of a meeting with Ambassador van Roijen:
“Failing to reach Mr. Rusk by telephone, the Netherlands Ambassador called me just before 11 o’clock this morning to say that whereas he had had no news from The Hague when Mr. Rusk queried him this morning, he had just gotten through on the telephone to his Foreign Office. He asked me to pass the word on to Mr. Rusk that the amendment (intended to be offered at the General Assembly) would not be put forward by the Dutch.” (320/10–650)
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