795B.11/9–2151: Telegram
The Ambassador in Korea (Muccio) to the Secretary of State
276. Mytel 270, September 21; rptd CINCFE.1 I consider Rhee’s blast September 20 as confirmation his recent public quiescence was superficial and reflected no change in his basic adamant dislike any cease-fire settlement. How he may give expression to this fundamental attitude is always unpredictable.
I have suggested that Korean alternate to UN del be ordered to Munsan-Ni as precaution against any last minute sabotage or at least as good method promptly ascertaining how far Rhee is prepared to go toward undermining resumption armistice discussions. I do not consider any direct query on my part as to his intentions wld produce any reliable clarification.
While Rhee move not surprising, I had no warning it was to be made yesterday, altho Gen Van Fleet and I spent most of yesterday afternoon with Rhee. Subj of armistice was not brought up. President was all peaches and cream and unusually fawning.
As a matter incidental interest, Rhee made peculiar statement to press day before (published yesterday’s Korea Times) in which he [Page 929] announced all statements issued his name should be considered as expressing his private views only “and in no way backed by authority vested in his office”. He said he made many statements for purpose public enlightenment and people who criticized them as trivial were old-fashioned with Monarchist ideas. This has little bearing on present statement which was issued thru official OPI but is indicative Rhee’s attitude he can somehow avoid official responsibility for many his pronouncements.
Sent Dept 276, rptd CINCFE Tokyo, for General Ridgway.
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The text of telegram 270 read as follows: “Following text statement by President Rhee released September 20:
“‘Kaesong is below the 38th parallel. Before beginning cease-fire talks no Communist army was in city. Communists used cease-fire talks as pretext and sneaked in. They should not be allowed to occupy it.
“‘Furthermore everyone realizes Communists have used cease-fire talks in attempt humiliate [and] discredit in eyes of Communist world. If talks resumed, there should be some definite safeguard. My government favors resumption of talks under following minimum conditions:
- “‘(1) Chinese shall be withdrawn from Korean territory;
- “‘(2) North Korean Communists shall be disarmed;
- “‘(3) North Koreans shall be granted full and equal representation in National Assembly through election observed by UN;
- “‘(4) UN Command should set time limit, say of 10 days, within which time Communists must agree to these terms, or talks should be terminated.’” (795.00/9–2151)