795.00/7–3151: Telegram
The Ambassador in Korea (Muccio) to the Secretary of State
101. Dept will have seen Hoberecht’s story from UN peace camp (UP) indicating ROK member of UN cease-fire team will withdraw from conference if his associates agree to Commies demands for revival of 38th parallel as demarcation line. This story appeared Stars and Stripes July 31 and in Korean press. Story attributed to “source close to President Syngman Rhee” who stated General Paik had had “some misgiving about talks at certain stages and already on one occasion almost did not go to Kaesong.” Paik will walk out if settlement made on line the Koreans do not like. If he walks out he will be acting on order from higher authorities in Korean Govt. Story goes on that Koreans have feeling Russians never intended to compromise during conference with American occupation leaders after World War II when they stalled for time. Koreans feel same thing now taking place. Hence Koreans want Admiral Joy to tell Commie dels either to agree at once to cease-fire proposals or get on with fighting.
This is latest example Rhee’s underhanded methods to sabotage talks. He fully aware effects such publicity can have in both Allied and Commie circles: Impression will be created there is split between UN and ROK and weakening of purpose on UN side, which presumably seriously considering concession on 38th parallel issue; Commies may well obtain same impression, despite forceful uncompromising stand taken in mtgs by Admiral Joy, and thus be less inclined to meet UN terms. None of these serious considerations fazes Rhee since in [Page 764] his tortuous mind this monkey wrench may stop machinery which he so anxious to bring to halt.
Sent Dept 101, priority Tokyo 38 (for Ridgway).