795.00/6–151: Telegram
The Ambassador in Korea (Muccio) to the Secretary of State
1006. Pass Tokyo. As Emb has reported, Koreans all types frightened, baffled and infuriated by press stories and rumors that UN may be ready to discuss settlement Korean War after aggressors thrown out of South Korea and that it wld then be consistent with peaceful purposes of UN to seek achievement its other objectives by peaceful means. To make such settlement on ground it wld help prevent third world war, sounds impressive but leaves Koreans cold since they are fighting war to achieve unification at all costs.
Must admit our experience since 1945 in obtaining polit objectives involving territorial adjustments affecting areas under Commie domination is not such as to inspire confidence that Korean unification likely to be achieved outside terms peace settlement itself. Trust we [Page 497] will not try kid ourselves or others on this point. It wld be tragic if pressures for peace settlement resulted in premature discussions as it is apparent our bargaining position improves daily. Furthermore, there is reason hope mil situation will continue to improve as full impact of defeats and losses sinks home among enemy troops and civilians.
Attitude of Koreans in post-hostilities period shld not be overlooked. If they feel they been sold out, no amount of pressure or cajolery likely to keep them quiet. They wld make things very difficult and possibly dangerous for UN and US missions in Korea. More important, their cries of woe abetted by Commie propaganda cld have serious repercussions in other nations in vulnerable positions. Although UN wld have saved face, victory in field hardly convincing if important countries in path of Sov imperialism left with impression UN not strong enough to deliver the real goods.
Sent Dept 1006; rptd info Tokyo 179.