Republic of Korea
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Seoul
Pusan
March 27, 1952
Dear Bob,
Your good letter has lain unanswered so long, to my shame. If I attempted to go into reasons for the sluggishness, apart from its being a rather difficult job, it would make a depressing story, I fear. Anyway, I trust that you will not forgive me the less because I fail to explain.
Please thank Dr. Harold Nelson for me for the $25 cheque he sent me through you. Tell him that I experienced the thrill of feeling a human warmth from an unexpected quarter. My joy would have been complete, but for the thought that I may have caused him a real sacrifice. My family join me in gratitude toward him. I have converted the $20 you sent me for Mrs. Lee Insoo into Korean money which I sent her in the form of postal money order of 230,000 won. I am awaiting her letter of acknowledgement to assure me of its delivery. My rating of the reliability of postal service here is still sadly low, you know. As soon as I receive her letter, I will let you know.
Difficulties have developed between the President and the Nation-Assembly because of the constitutional amendment which was voted down by an overwhelming majority. I tried to dissuade him from it, fearing it might lessen his chances of being reelected. But now I admire the old man for his courage. I know he acted from his deep sense of duty. He felt he ought to raise the great national question while he was the chief executive, irrespective of the consequences in terms of his own reelection. It will gain momentum until it gets passed. Whatever may be the result of the next Presidential elections, the question he mooted, probably, at his own sacrifice will stand a good chance of a favorable solution after the elections, for then the Assemblymen might be induced to espouse the popular cause to heighten their own chances of reelection, having already exercised their prerogative of electing the President and having no more chance of doing so during the remainder of their terms. If the present constitution lasts indefinitely, Korea will be another France, a much worse one, in point of political instability. We just cannot afford that luxury. Dr. Rhee is a weathered man, at least. I really don’t know whom I should vote for, if not for him, for we have roughest possible political weather ahead. Certainly, no fair weather man will do.
The Defence Ministry has committed to issue eight deferments of draft for outgoing male students of draft age a month. Roughly one hundred students can go abroad for studies instead of rotting and rusting here, which is something.
With all good wishes for you and yours, Yours sincerely,
