995B.61/5–3151: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Korea
911. Eyes only for Muccio. JCS and Def have requested Dept bring strong pressure to bear on ROK Govt to correct Rhee’s propensity make flagrant, damaging statements not in accordance with fact, such as that to press May 18 re arming additional “well trained” ROK soldiers and subsequent withdrawal Amer forces Korea, and have pointed out serious effect such public statements have upon full US-ROK mil coop. Dept fully concurs these views and is furthermore deeply concerned effect these statements have in misleading US and for opinion implying that mere provision additional arms wld be sufficient permit substantial reductions US and UN mil manpower Korea. ROK record recent mil performance does not substantiate this claim.
Request you urgently call Rhee’s attn to damaging effect his ill advised statements can have on tremendous efforts being made at great sacrifice by US and other UN members to defeat Commie aggression and restore Korean freedom. If Rhee persists in making such irresponsible statements, inevitable result will be indicate to enemy and public lack vital US-ROK coop, thus fortifying enemy in determination continue hostilities, increase problem obtaining additional internatl support for Korean operations and thereby prejudice whole UN campaign save Korean people from Commie destruction.
While we fully appreciate natural desire Korean people contribute maximum to own defense, patience, self-control and full coop with UN forces essential. Inevitable differences of opinion can best be resolved by full and frank private interchange of views rather than by public controversy. Dept taking similar approach with ROK Emb here.
[Page 494]At ur discretion you authorized inform Rhee you have been instructed transmit to Dept outcome this conversation.