Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, Korea and China, Volume VII, Part 1

795B.5/7–351: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the United States Mission at the United Nations¹

secret

Washington, July 3, 1951—8 p. m.

5. A nr of States which were considering affirmative responses to UN SYG’s message of June 22 requesting additional ground forces for Korea have suggested that Korea question has entered into new phase as result of armistice discussions.

US considers that regardless of outcome of armistice discussions, it wld be desirable for States to respond affirmatively to UN SYG’s message. Unified Command has no assurance that armistice discussions will result in termination of hostilities and must therefore plan for continuation of hostilities. Even if hostilities terminated, strong likelihood that substantial ground forces must remain for considerable time in Korea. Affirmative responses wld be helpful to US in armistice discussions and wld likewise have favorable effect on public opinion in US.

If States unwilling to respond affirmatively in view of armistice discussions, you may in your discretion endeavor to prevent or delay negative responses.

Acheson

1. Repeated to the Embassies in Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Rio de Janeiro, San Salvador, Havana, Lima, and Managua.