795.00/6-252: Telegram
The United States Deputy Representative at the United Nations (Gross) to the Department of State
secret
priority
New York, June 2, 1952-7:14 p.m.
881. For State Dept distribution only. Re ROK political crisis.
Re Pusan 1241, June 2,
註01 Malania, UN,
註02 has given us following text of message from Mathieu summarizing UNCURK’s meeting with Generals Clark and Van Fleet:
- 註01
- This telegram was the Embassy’s preliminary report on the meeting between UNCURK and Generals Clark and Van Fleet, not printed (795.00/6-252).
“At 1300 hours today at UNCURK comm had emergency informal meeting with Generals Clark and Van Fleet. General Clark said, like any friend of democracy, he sympathized with UNCURK’s views. However, he was only preoccupied with military aspects. Since present situation did not endanger military operations or maintenance of order in rear area, and as long as remained so, he was not prepared to go any further in conversation with President scheduled for 1430 hours this afternoon. This would be strictly limited to military matters. It might be that we did not approve Rhee’s policy, but we might be obliged to put up with him for years. Therefore, the general was not going to press for lifting of martial law and liberation of assemblymen but he would draw the President’s attention to possibility his attitude might have repercussions on sending of troops by UN members concerned. Chairman Plimsoll pointed out danger Rhee’s coming to conclusion divergence between comm and military and disapproval by latter of comm’s action. Short term advantage sought by army through avoiding getting mixed up with present happenings likely to be heavily outweighed by danger of future developments which might include complete loss of Korea to democracies. He indicated possible further steps by UN govts such as suspension conversation with ROK on long-term rehabilitation planning and of rebuilding of Seoul. General Clark agreed these steps could be contemplated but repeated his intention of strictly limiting talk to military matters. If however he was asked by journalists whether he agreed with UNCURK, he would say ‘100 percent’. General Van Fleet remarked that if we publicly branded Rhee as dictator, we would be confirming what Communists said all along; [Plimsoll?] pointed out Rhee’s present attitude was new development. Was later informed by Teodoro (UNCURK press officer) that when journalists saw General Clark after his conversation with Rhee, he said they had talked about military matters only. A UP journalist asked whether he agreed with UNCURK. General said he was in great hurry and did not answer question. Journalists hope catch him on his return from Kojedo and ask it again. Comm just received (Monday 1400 hours) answer dated May 31 from President Rhee to UNCURK letter mentioned by UNKOR 99 saying ‘Members are welcome to attend and observe the forthcoming trial of So Min Ho. General Won Yong Duk, the martial law commander, will extend full courtesies to the comm and to other international observers and he will inform you of the arrangements being made for the trial.’ Comm releasing both letters to press. Members are very discouraged by military attitude.”
Gross