795B.00/12–550
Memorandum of Conversation, Dictated by the United States Deputy Representative at the United Nations (Gross) From New York
Trygve Lie just informed me that yesterday at 12 noon Siroky1 visited Lie and discussed the Korean situation. Siroky told Lie, in response to Lie’s question concerning the intention of the Communists in Korea, that they “wanted peace”. Lie asked him what he meant by this. Siroky replied that he meant what they have been saying all along, that is, that foreign troops should get out of Korea. Lie said that he assumed that under any circumstances it would be necessary to have a cease-fire and to have that as soon as possible. Siroky said that he did not think that was excluded. Lie pressed Siroky concerning his idea of withdrawal of foreign troops, asking whether he meant also Chinese troops. Siroky said “of course”. Lie asked whether he meant withdrawal of foreign troops from all of Korea or merely from North Korea. Siroky replied that he was referring to the “status quo”. Lie asked him what he meant by this and he replied “as of June 25”. However, he said that in any event foreign troops would have to be [Page 1415] withdrawn from all of Korea. Lie said that Siroky used the expression “status quo” several times during the conversation.
Lie did not get into a discussion with Siroky regarding details. Lie told me that he pointed out to Siroky that this was a very important matter that they were discussing and that he, Lie, wanted to know if Siroky was reflecting Vishinsky’s views. Siroky replied that he was not speaking for Vishinsky but indicated to Lie that these were undoubtedly Vishinsky’s views.
- Viliam Siroky, Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of Czechoslovakia, head the Czechoslovak Delegation to the 5th Session of the U.N. General Assembly.↩