OFFICIAL USE ONLY
NO. 431
FROM: SEOUL
DATE: NOVEMBER 27, 1954
RECD: NOVEMBER 28, 1954, 8.10 A.M.
PRIORITY SENT DEPT 623 RPTD INFO TOKYO 431, NOVEMBER 27, 6 P.M.
Tokyo pass CINCUNC, CG AFFE/ARMY 8 and CAG.
Constitutional amendment bill failed pass National Assembly today by one vote. Out of total 202 present 135 voted in favor, 60 against, with 7 abstentions. Bill was voted as package after heated 7 hour debate climax of which was dramatic Opposition-Independent challenge to prevent marked ballot. It was finally agreed that after count ballots would be sealed in box. With only 1 Assemblyman absent, large part of Cabinet present and public gallery filled atmosphere was tense and emotional. Several thousand listeners were also standing outside during entire session.
With vote taken as package contrary to President's express wishes someone will presumably have to bear official responsibility for bill's failure. Speaker Yi Ki-Pung is most likely choice although some Liberal party leaders question whether President Rhee will force this action as he has no suitable candidate to replace him. It is still too early to judge full effects of this major administration defeat, however.
BRIGGS.
7 copies/e mc
