CONFIDENTIAL
Classification
Control: 6/404
Recd: JUNE 11, 1960 8:30 AM
FROM: SEOUL
ACTION: DEPARTMENT 1321
INFO: TOKYO 430
DATE: JUNE 10, 8 PM
Reference: EMBTEL 1304
Pace of National Assembly action today appeared to have slowed down. Reversing earlier agreement to press ahead quickly with passage major law bills before final action on constitutional amendment, Assembly this morning accepted steering committee recommendation to place constitutional amendment bill at head of agenda. For second day, session again recessed at about noon, following explanation constitutional amendment bill by deputy committee chairman Chong Hon-ju. Bill now scheduled for debate June 11, but not certain whether it will be put to vote that day as recommended by steering committee.
Considerable attention now focused on rumors Liberal assemblymen may seek delay passage until just after June 15, which marks end of three month statute limitations on violations election law. Such move reportedly designed hold passage constitutional amendment hostage until no danger further arrests LP assemblymen. Speaker Kwak Sang-hun this morning, however sought to reassure LP members on this point and again urged prompt passage.
Assembly this morning also elected Kim Do-yon (DP) and Yi Ch’ae-Hyong (Ind) as vice speakers for remainder this term assembly. This clears way for Kwak’s resignation which expected following passage constitutional amendment. Vice speakers will preside at assembly after Kwak’s resignation, but they not in line of succession as acting president under new constitution. Huh Chung, therefore, will serve as prime minister and acting president until formation new government.
MCCONAUGHY
ca
11/0930