American Embassy, Pusan, Korea, June 3, 1952
My dear Mr. President:
I have just received the following message for you from President Truman:
“Ambassador Muccio has reported to me on the situation in Korea and is returning immediately at my request to discuss it with you.
“I am shocked at the turn of events during the past week reported to me by many official sources. I find it difficult to believe that, at this critical hour in the history of the ROK, differences between the several branches of the Korean Government cannot be resolved in a manner which will maintain the confidence of the peoples of the United States and the free world in Korean leadership and Korean democratic institutions. It would be a tragic mockery of the great sacrifices in blood and treasure which the people of many free nations and of Korea have made in the past two years if any changes considered necessary in the political structure of the ROK cannot be carried out in accordance with due process of law.
“Therefore, I urge you most strongly to seek acceptable and workable ways to bring this crisis to an end and hope that you will take no irrevocable acts before Ambassador Muccio returns to Pusan. When he arrives he will immediately convey my further views to you.”
Very sincerely yours,
E. Allan Lightner. Jr.
Charge d’Affaires ad interim
His Excellency Syngman Rhee, President of the Republic of Korea.