Office of the Historian

795.00/6–1651: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the United States Mission at the United Nations

secret
Washington, June 16, 1951—4 p. m.

993. In briefing session of Ambs on Korea June 15, Rusk reported we continue receive helpful suggestions from other Govts re possible statement on peaceful settlement of Korean question and expect further suggestions shortly. He had nothing new to report on US thinking but indicated he will be able to say more re US view shortly. In answer to question by Tomlinson (UK), Rusk said indications are more Ambs thought public approach wld have number of collateral advantages in terms of public opinion although it may not contribute appreciably to settlement in Korea. He said comments from others to date refer not so much to what shld be said but through what means it shld be said and how a public statement cld be related to a possible private approach.

Several Reps including van Roijen (Neth), Le Gallais (Lux), Bonnet (Fr), Wrong (Can), and Jarvie (So Af) supported UK suggestions made in previous briefing session re appointment of Protecting Power for Allied POWs in NK and Chinese hands. Tomlinson (UK) undertook circulate next week draft communication to SYG on this matter.1

Acheson

  1. Telegram 1020, June 26, to New York reported on the June 22 briefing session of Ambassadors in the following language:

    “In June 22 briefing session of Ambs on Korea Tomlinson (UK) agreed circulate new draft of communication to SYG re UN POWs held by Chi Commies and North Koreans. New draft to include slight modifications suggested by US and others.

    “No objection expressed to UK proposed procedure that all 16 UN Members with armed forces in Korea send separate similar communications to SYG.

    “It was agreed Ambs will endeavor obtain approval from their Govts by July 3 to send separate communications along line of Tomlinson’s draft.

    “Wrong (Canada) stated Canad Govt agrees proceed on basis separate communications and accepts contents of Tomlinson’s draft.

    “Also agreed discuss question of possible efforts re Korean settlement in meeting June 27.” (795.00/6–2651)

    ↩