601.95B11/10—1050: Telegram
The Ambassador in Korea (Muccio) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 10—6 a. m.]
Unnumbered. Pass to Ambassador Chang. Following message for [from] the President:1
Only received text UNGA Korea resolution seventh since you failed cable it in time for GOK convey views to you for presentation political committee. You should make clear ROK accepts resolution as whole. But desires clarification that portion concerning national elections. ROK established following UNTCOK observed elections 1948, since which time National Assembly as Constituent Assembly established constitution, government created, approved by 1948 UNGA resolution, and recognized by over 30 states. GOK willing do everything possible cooperate with UN settlement Korean problem, especially unification, but should new UNCOK proceed to hold new elections for totally new National Assembly which would set up new constitution and create new government how can we legally participate in overthrowing our constitution, National Assembly and government now in existence? I assume, that references to ROK in preamble indicate not only reaffirmation acceptance sovereign status this government, but intention work through and with ROK in solution problem unification and complete independence Korea, but I urge you secure widest possible understanding this interpretation among interested governments, not only United States but also those represented on new UNCOK; in such discussions emphasize GOK will cooperate with UN fullest, but desires clarification to avoid any possible future misunderstanding. Syngman Rhee.
- A note on the source text indicated that the Korean Embassy was informed on October 11. The text of this message from President Rhee had originally been sent out in telegram 234, October 8, from Seoul, which, however, because of delay in transmission was not received until 8:15 p. m. on October 11.↩