795.00/5-3152: Telegram
The Chargé in Korea (Lightner) to the Department of State 註01
secret
niact
Pusan, May 31, 1952. 註02
1217. Rptd CINCUNC Tokyo and EUSAK Adv as DIP 236. Re DA 910149
註03 requesting Gen Clark and/or Gen Van Fleet visit Rhee to support US Govt-UNCURK action on behalf UNC.
Gen Clark has asked Gen Van Fleet meet him Pusan June 2 to carry out this mission after consulting with UNCURK and myself.
I note tenor of instructions is to point out concern over present internatl developments as constituting mil danger and as interfering with constitutional process of govt and to point out that UNC backs UNCURK statement. In short, representation apparently will be another expression of views, even though in course of expressing them the generals succeed in impressing Rhee that they are really seriously disturbed.
I submit that Rhee’s time schedule is such that another representation limited to an expression of views is likely to be brushed off in same manner as previous representations. Vital time will be lost since next step will have to be delayed beyond June 2.
I wld appreciate instructions before morning June 2 whether foregoing type of approach stands or whether Dept and Def wld approve fol:
After forceful presentation of reasons for UNC concern, that generals be authorized to demand immed action by ROK Govt to fulfill both points in UNCURK statement. They shld also be instructed what to reply to any question as to what happens in event demands not promptly fulfilled: Possibly that this wld be matter having gravest consequences, for which Rhee alone wld be held responsible.
I recognize I may be beating the gun in making such proposal, but I am sure Dept knows from preceding msgs my feeling that issues at stake justify nipping this thing in the bud and that time is of the essence. My suggestion these demands be made by Gens Clark and Van Fleet on behalf of Unified Comd is based largely on their great prestige with Rhee although I realize that demands of this nature shld normally be presented by chief of mission. I would of course be glad to present demands if Dept so desires.
Lightner