695A.0024/3–253: Telegram
The Ambassador in Korea (Briggs) to the Department of State
priority
1093. Reference my immediately preceding telegram.1 On August 8, 1952 shortly before his inauguration, President Rhee issued statement extending hand of friendship to ex-Communists in Korea. On that occasion Rhee said: “I have no animosity toward any one. Even my bitterest Communist enemy can become my good friend if he changes his views and turns toward cause of freedom of mankind”.
When I reminded Rhee of this statement yesterday, he immediately connected it with today’s POW issue declaring it is high time steps be taken to get anti-Communist prisoners out from behind barbed wire and back into productive life of country. He referred with emotion to recent petition signed in blood by more than 7,000 Nanking anti-Communist prisoners, and asked what could be done to help signers and also to take advantage of this “unique and wonderful opportunity”. Rhee declared himself confident that vast majority of signers sincere and added that at time when Korea desperately needs every able-bodied man, there can no longer be any justification for continuing to treat anti-Communists “same as pro-Communist prisoners”.
[Page 804]When I volunteered to look into situation, President expressed satisfaction and asked to be informed whenever I had any information to impart.
I believe Rhee would gladly go along with any practical procedure giving effect to release of anti-Communist North Koreans, including appropriate declaration at opportune moment. Rhee also stated that time presses and maximum benefit obtainable only if prompt action can be taken.