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

795.00/7–751: Telegram

The Ambassador in Korea (Muccio) to the Secretary of State

secret   priority

Pusan, July 7, 1951—6 p.m.

20. For Rusk. Pres Rhee in conversations with Emb, Gen Coulter, Under Sec Alexander¹ and others continues very much same line as he and ROK officials have taken publicly on cease fire issue. Anticipate he will tackle Gov Dewey² in same vein when they meet tomorrow. Fon Min, who has been interpolated in Natl Assembly every day this week, has had rough going on basis his alleged ignorance what going on and inept diplomacy in obtaining acceptance ROK views abroad. In addition to ROK belief cease-fire will only restore uneasy sitn of 1945–50 period, responsible officials have frequently in private conversations expressed their deep concern lest US and UN on conclusion hostilities will leave Korea to her fate. They have in mind both military security and continuing need for econ and tech assistance in post-hostilities period. Most helpful development counteracting this point of view is info just recd that UNKRA to be activated shortly. This very welcome news. Trust exchange letters end public announcement can be made next few days.³

Wld also be helpful if fol additional steps could be taken as means allaying ROK sensitivity and anxiety these issues and their misgivings and concern over prospects early conclusion Jap peace treaty:

(1) Every effort be made to effect partial settlement won advances to UN forces by payment dollars recd from UN personnel in exchange for won. ROK has requested settlement repeatedly and issue has gained polit and psychological importance entirely out proportion to immed econ benefits which may be expected accrue to Korean economy. Believe prompt settlement wld demonstrate US not completely disregarding ROK views in all fields and give those ROK officials who are counseling moderation in present cease-fire crisis some success to point to in their negots with US. View long delay in arriving at decision this subj more than routine handling called for if settlement to be achieved in view to help ease tension present period.

(2) During period of uncertainty DA should make extraordinary effort effect delivery of consumers goods and raw materials on CRIK call-forwards.⁴

Sent Dept 20, rptd info priority Tokyo 6.

Muccio

1. Under Secretary of the Army Archibald S. Alexander.
2. Gov. Thomas E. Dewey of New York, titular head of the Republican Party, was at this time making a tour of the Far East; see telegram 22, July 9, from Pusan, p. 640.
3. See the letter from Hickerson to Kingsley, July 11, p. 656.

4. Telegram 34, July 11, to Pusan, responding to this paragraph, read in part as follows:

   “Concur important delivery CRIK consumer goods and raw materials be expedited. We have been consulting actively with DA to assure continued flow adequate quantity such items.” (795.00/7–751)