795B.5/3–2651
President Truman to the President of the Republic of Korea (Rhee)
My Dear Mr. President: I very much appreciate your letter of March 26, 1951, in regard to the situation in Korea. I have also received your message of April 21, 1951,1 transmitted to me by the American Ambassador to Korea, regarding the arming of additional divisions for the Army of the Republic of Korea. I assure you that your messages and the views expressed therein are being carefully studied by the appropriate officials of this Government.
This Government as the Unified Command will continue its endeavors to assist your Government to arm, train and equip Korean youths so that the Republic of Korea can effectively carry on its fight against aggression and defend itself from attack. Any program of increasing the strength of the armed forces of Korea must, of course, depend on the availability of trained and competent leadership without which newly created units would be unable to withstand a seasoned foe. This was demonstrated by the evident weakness of certain Korean contingents in recent combat. I believe, therefore, that immediate efforts must be concentrated upon the rapid development of such leaders in order to lay a sound basis for increasing the strength of your armed forces.
The Government and the people of the United States are confident that the Korean people will continue to stand against the Communist aggressors with that firm determination which has contributed so much to stem the Communist tide.
With assurances of my highest regard and personal good wishes.2
Sincerely yours,