(From Late Editions of Yesterday’s Times)
LETTER TO DR. RHEE DECLARES SUPPORT
Eisenhower Says South Korea Is on the ‘March Toward the Great Goal of Freedom’
SEOUL, Saturday, Dec. 6 (AP)-President-elect Dwight D. Eisenhower, in a letter to President Syngman Rhee of South Korea, praised him and his countrymen for “their march toward the great goal of freedom.” The South Korean Government made public the letter today.
Dr. Rhee and his Cabinet Ministers were “greatly pleased” with General Eisenhower’s letter, a spokesman said.
Notes were exchanged between General Eisenhower and Dr. Rhee after a farewell visit Friday. The contents of the Rhee letter will not be revealed, the spokesman said.
However, Government sources believed that Dr. Rhee reiterated his request that the United Nations unify all of Korea, strengthen the Korean forces, drive the Chinese Communists out of Korea and disband the North Korean army.
In his letter to Dr. Rhee, the President-elect said:
“It is particularly gratifying to obtain accurate knowledge of the magnificent contribution which is being made by the armed forces and the people of the Republic of Korea.”
“As you know,” he said, “my purpose for coming to Korea was to obtain first-hand knowledge of the over-all situation, to meet the military commanders in the field and to talk to the troops of the many nations who shoulder the burden in this struggle against the Communist aggressor.
“I have been deeply impressed by the Republic of Korea troops that I have observed. They are splendid troops--real fighting men. Their national pride, intense loyalty and their determination to carry the light against our enemy are plain to see.
“The great sacrifices made in the past two and a half years by your country are known throughout the free world. History is certain to assign to you a large portion of the credit, which you in justly deserve, for welding your
countrymen together in their march toward the great goal of freedom. You have accomplished this under extremely difficult conditions that would have defeated, any but the strongest leaders.
“Your letter has just reached me and I will give it careful study and consideration. I want to assure you, Mr. President, of my personal esteem and my appreciation of your readiness to cooperate with other free nations in pursuit of our common purpose of peace and security.”
