396.1 GE/5–2854: Telegram
Twelfth Plenary Session on Korea, Geneva, May 28, 3:03 p.m.: The United States Delegation to the Department of State1
Secto 337. Repeated information Tokyo 98, London 220, Moscow 95, Paris 353, Seoul 103. Tokyo pass CINCUNC. Department pass [Page 323] Defense. Twelfth Korean plenary May 28, Eden presiding, opened with speech by General Smith (see USIA Wireless File for text)2 upholding role of UN in solution in Korean problem and endorsing ROK May 22 proposals.
Colombian delegate Urrutia spoke next.3 He complimented ROK delegation for his “spirit of conciliation” and for his “truly remarkable spirit of understanding and cooperation”, without directly endorsing ROK proposals of May 22. Urrutia in rather legalistic analysis declared North Korean reunification plan unacceptable, emphasizing that any acceptable plan must recognize authority of UN.
Turkish delegate, Acikalin, then delivered short attack on North Korean proposals and defended authority of UN in Korean problem. He concluded by characterizing ROK proposals as “an excellent working basis upon which, with aid of reason and good will, it may be possible to erect edifice whose achievement is purpose of our conference.”
Prince Wan of Thailand delivered brief defense of principle of collective security as embodied in UN. He noted that both ROK and North Korean proposals admitted need for some external supervision of Korean elections and some external guarantee for Korea. Stated essential difference in two proposals lies in fact that Communists propose (1) neutral nations supervisory commission to supervise elections, and (2) guarantee by the great powers, while ROK proposes UN for both supervision of elections and guarantee. Wan stated Thailand “wholeheartedly supports 14-point proposal of ROK as basis for discussion”.
Fifth speaker was Watt (Australia)4 who dismissed May 24 Chou En-lai proposal for neutral nations organization to assist all-Korean commission as academic since unworkable all-Korean commission still keystone of formula. After reasserting authority of UN and principle of collective security re Korea, he offered general support to ROK 14 points as workable formula which “conference should examine carefully”. Reserved detailed comment 14 points until “later stage of discussion”.
Kindynis (Greece)5 spoke last. Like Watt, he examined May 22 Chou proposal and ROK 14 points. Based rejection of Chou proposal on failure to recognize proper role of UN in solution Korean problem. Unequivocally endorsed ROK 14 points in toto as democratic and consonant with UN responsibilities in Korea and as only way to restore [Page 324] Korea’s unity and independence. Specifically endorsed ROK point 12 on withdrawal Chinese Communist forces before elections as “very natural”.
Eden then said no more names on list and noted Indochina meeting tomorrow. Said next Korea meeting would be announced later.
Comment: Day’s speeches gave further evidence of strength of opposition non-Communist delegations to Communist unification plan and support for UN authority in connection Korean problem.
- A set of minutes of this meeting (US Verb Min/12) is in Conference files, lot 60 D 627. The minutes indicate that the meeting convened at 3:03 p.m. and adjourned at 5:30 p.m.↩
- For the text, see The Korean Problem at the Geneva Conference, pp. 124–130.↩
- For the text, see ibid., pp. 132–135.↩
- For Watt’s statement, see ibid., pp. 135–137.↩
- For the text of Kindynis’ statement, see ibid., pp. 130–131.↩