CONFIDENTIAL
NO. 426
FROM: SEOUL
DATE: NOVEMBER 24, 1954
RECD: NOVEMBER 25, 1954, 8.10 A.M.
SENT DEPT 617 RPTD INFO TOKYO 426, NOVEMBER 24, 9 P.M.
Tokyo pass CINCUNC, CG AFFE/ARMY 8 and CAG.
Reference Embassy telegram 598 repeated Tokyo 412.
Debate on constitutional amendments bill has continued this week with Opposition-Independents posing lengthy series questions in hopes prolonging debate possibly to take advantage any unexpected events favoring them (for example difficulties in implementing agreed Minute) and to attract public attention to their sometimes remarkably frank criticism. Public interest in debate has remained fairly high. Meanwhile LP seeking bring bill to early vote but under Assembly procedure only Opposition-Independent group can do this since bill introduced by LP. Present indications are bill may be voted on November 27 or 29. Still not finally settled whether vote will be package or item-by-item.
Reports reaching Embassy indicate extensive activity going on behind scenes and estimates (reliability of which difficult to judge) are that 5 to 10 Opposition and Independent Assemblymen have sold their votes to LP. These developments, coupled with determined drive by government and LP through use of issues such as so-called Anglo-Canadian compromise unification plan and signing of agreed Minute, have led some observers believe bills chances for success now somewhat better than 50-50.
BRIGGS.
7 copies/e mc
