795B.11/12–2251: Telegram
The Ambassador in Korea (Muccio) to the Secretary of State
604. CINCUNC Tokyo Japan (Personal for Gen Ridgway) has for action by other means. Dept for info. Ref C 59861 December 22.1
I appreciate your passing on Ailing Sihn’s remarks re Rhee’s attitude and activities in connection armistice negots.
I hope you have been seeing tels we been sending Washington and rpting CINCUNC, covering Rhee’s public statements on armistice negots and Emb’s reactions thereto. Since day agrmt was reached agenda item 2, Rhee and his govt resumed campaign of last summer against every conceivable phase of armistice. There has never been doubt that Rhee has sparked this campaign including frequent—almost daily—demonstrations which taking place Pusan and elsewhere in Korea. All polit and articulate elements in ROK go along with Rhee this issue.
Re his motives Rhee cannot count on support of majority in Natl Assembly for many of his programs and the legislature is increasingly independent. He undoubtedly worried over situation particularly because Assembly elects ROK president and presidential election scheduled next May. Thus he thinks his stand on armistice helps him politically. This is important but not only motive his attitude.
Since Rhee secretly instructed his cabinet November 29 push this campaign, I have been watching reaction most carefully. Campaign has not caught public imagination. Most of people war weary and ready for armistice. This does not prevent him from continuing efforts whip up emotions. I feel this largely “for the record” and partly last gasp effort effect progress negots. I do not believe at pay-off he will be able do other than go along, albeit with reluctance.
- Not printed.↩