Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, South and Southeast Asia, Volume XV

530. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Vietnam¹

Washington, August 31, 1959—8:40 p.m.

409. Bangkok 353, 458, 516; Saigon 662.² In connection repatriation of Vietnamese from Thailand, Department believes it would be useful inform Diem of developments in somewhat analogous situation involving repatriation of Koreans from Japan to north Korea. You may find following assessment of Korean repatriation problem useful in influencing GVN adopt more constructive and rational attitude toward repatriation of Vietnamese from Thailand to DRV:

Korean minority in Japan suffers from social and economic discrimination and has long been strongly influenced by pro-Communist residents association. Japanese public and government welcome any opportunity whereby Koreans can be repatriated voluntarily to north or south Korea. For nearly 8 years GOJ has attempted in vain negotiate nationality and legal status of Korean minority with ROK, which has claimed jurisdiction over all Koreans in Japan and insisted they be compensated for alleged wartime forced labor. North Korean regime has seized on this ROK–Japan impasse as opportunity to mount major campaign for repatriation to north Korea, paying lip service to principle voluntary repatriation while actually aiming at propaganda victory over ROK and exacerbation ROK–Japan relations.

In this complex and politically charged situation we have attempted exert constructive influence without reneging on our fundamental stand in favor of voluntary repatriation, a principle we are convinced Free World must uphold in combating Communism. We have therefore urged GOJ and ICRC (which originally invited by GOJ to participate in plan for repatriation to north Korea) exert utmost efforts and vigilance to safeguard voluntary character of repatriation and frustrate expected Communist attempts at intimidation and coercion. At same time we have strongly urged ROKG (1) realize probable inevitability of some repatriation to north Korea now that ICRC has agreed to participate in program, (2) provide genuine freedom of choice for Koreans in Japan by permitting large scale repatriation to south Korea and (3) resume suspended bilateral talks with Japan unconditionally. While ROKG has not yet significantly modified its attitude toward repatriation, it has at least resumed talks with Japan notwithstanding GOJ’s announced determination to proceed with some repatriation to north Korea. In essence we are convinced (1) that we should uphold principle voluntary repatriation even when its application to divided countries might give Communists some temporary advantage, and (2) that we and our allies should not allow Communists to use repatriation campaigns to irritate relations among our friends and deflect us from strengthening our unity in face of common enemy.

In bringing foregoing to Diem’s attention, you might comment that while we recognize issues in Korean and Vietnamese situations only analogous rather than identical, general problem similar. We fail understand what useful purpose would be served by continuing public ventilation this situation (Bangkok 516 rptd Saigon 62) which would contribute to creation unpleasant atmosphere between SEA friends. Normal undesirability of worsening Thai-Vietnamese relations heightened, of course, by developments strengthening Communist hand in neighboring Laos. If occasion arises, Diem might also be discreetly reminded GVN has always favored voluntary repatriation. Most recent expression this policy was July 17 declaration proposing interzonal exchange 500 families.

FYI: Department concurs final paragraph Bangkok’s 353 repeated Saigon 41 and believes Diem should not only not be unresponsive but should appreciate genuine RTG preoccupation serious internal security problem posed by refugees. Potential regional hazard represented by this group highlighted by reports Mekong crossing by Vietnamese refugees from northeastern Thailand.

Dillon

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 292.51G22/8–2959. Confidential. Drafted by Swezey; cleared by David M. Bane, Director of the Office of Northeast Asian Affairs; and approved by Daniel V. Anderson, Director of the Office of Southeast Asian Affairs. Repeated to Seoul, Tokyo, Bangkok, and CINCPAC for POLAD.
2. Telegram 353 is printed as Document 526. Telegram 458, August 25, transmitted Bangkok press comments on the Vietnamese protest note handed to the Government of Thailand on the repatriation agreement. (Department of State, Central Files, 292.51G22/8–2559) Telegram 516, August 29, provided further reports on Thai-South Vietnamese friction over the agreement. (Ibid., 292.51G22/8–2959) Telegram 662 is supra.