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"THE AMERICAN PEOPLE FULLY UNDERSTAND THE CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH LED TO THE REQUEST BY YOUR GOVERNMENT TO POSTPONE MY VISIT TO JAPAN": Letter From the President of the United States (Eisenhower) to the Prime Minister of Japan (Ikeda), September 14, 1960 36

KOREA

317. UNITED STATES CONCERN OVER THE POLITICAL CRISIS IN THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA: Statement Read to Correspondents by the Director of the Office of News (White), Department of State, April 19, 1960 1

The Secretary called in the Korean Ambassador this afternoon to impress upon him the profound and growing concern of this Government over the serious continuing public unrest and acts of violence in

Korea.2

Although these matters are admittedly the responsibility of the Republic of Korea, this Government had been obliged to take cognizance of them. This is because the United States, as the principal sponsor of the Republic of Korea as an applicant for United Nations membership, has, in the eyes of the world, always been closely associated with Korea as a friend, supporter and ally.

Ambassador Yang was informed that this Government believes that the demonstrations in Korea are a reflection of public dissatisfaction over the conduct of the recent elections and repressive measures unsuited to a free democracy.

The Secretary asked Ambassador Yang to draw to the attention of his Government the seriousness of the repercussions abroad which are likely to result in a marked weakening of the Republic of Korea's international position and prestige.

The Secretary suggested that the Korean Government should, in its own best interest and in order to restore public confidence, take necessary and effective action aimed at protecting democratic rights of freedom of speech, of assembly and of the press, as well as preserving the secrecy of the ballot and preventing unfair discrimination against political opponents of a party in power.

36 White House press release dated Sept. 16, 1960; the Department of State Bulletin, Oct. 10, 1960, p. 562.

1

1 Files of the News Division, Department of State.

'Disorders in Korea had marred the preparations for and acceptance of the results of the presidential election held Mar. 15, 1960. The election was won by President Rhee and his Liberal Party under questionable procedures. Public demonstrations by opposition groups had been repressed with severity. An unusually large such demonstration took place in Seoul on the date of the Department's statement.

318. THE ROLE OF THE UNITED STATES IN THE POLITICAL CRISIS IN THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA: Reply Made by the President (Eisenhower) to a Question Asked at a News Conference, April 27, 1960 (Excerpts) 3

To charge America with interference in the internal affairs of Korea is not correct. . . . Now, in this last election there were certain irregularities. And the most that I ever did, and this was as a friendly gesture for a man I know and respect and admire, I said that trouble could come out of such irregularities and hoped that they could be stopped. I said this through the State Department; I believe it was published. No interference of any kind was ever undertaken by the United States; and we had no part in inciting, or know anything about the inciting of, this difficulty.

Just exactly what is going to happen, I don't know; but I do know this: both the Communist press of Peking and, I believe, of Moscow have expressed some disappointment that Mr. Rhee has again shown a statesmanlike attitude in saying, "All right, I'm still serving my people, and I'll do what seems to be correct." 5

I might add this: there is no evidence whatsoever that there was any Communist inspiration for this unrest that was brought about.

"I ASSURE YOU THAT THE UNITED STATES WILL CONTINUE TO FEEL ITSELF BOUND BY STRONG TIES OF SYMPATHY TO KOREA UNDER YOUR SUCCESSORS": Letter From the President of the United States (Eisenhower) to the Former President of Korea (Rhee), May 5, 1960 €

319. KOREAN-UNITED

6

STATES REAFFIRMATION OF "STRONG BONDS OF FRIENDSHIP AND CLOSE COOPERATION": Joint Communiqué Issued at Seoul by the President of the United States (Eisenhower) and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea (Huh Chung), June 20, 19607

Accepting an invitation of long standing from the Government of the Republic of Korea, President Eisenhower today visited Korea

The reply printed here is taken from pp. 360-361 of Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1960–61.

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See supra.

In response to further sizable political demonstrations by opposition groups on Apr. 26, President Rhee submitted his resignation as President of the Republic, agreed to the holding of new elections and the drafting of certain amendments to the Constitution, and appointed an interim government, headed by Huh Chung. * White House press release dated May 9, 1960; the Department of State Bulletin, May 30, 1960, p. 859. For the statement issued May 9 by Dr. Rhee by way of reply to the President's letter, see ibid. Dr. Rhee had retired as President of Korea May 3, 1960.

6

'White House (Seoul) press release dated June 20, 1960 (text as printed in the Department of State Bulletin, July 25, 1960, pp. 138-139).

where he met with Prime Minister Huh Chung and other Korean leaders, including members of the Korean National Assembly, which he addressed. President Eisenhower also visited the United Nations Command and reviewed contingents representing United Nations Forces which are helping to defend this key Free World position.

9

President Eisenhower's visit highlighted the vital purposes served by collective Free World action to preserve peace initiated almost exactly ten years ago in response to international communism's attack on the Republic of Korea. The manner in which the United Nations responded in June, 1950 to aggression and the retention over the past decade of a strong Free World position in the Republic of Korea have been major factors in preserving the peace in Asia and creating a climate in which Free Asia nations can enjoy independence, promote human rights and improve the spiritual and material welfare of these people.

The visit impressively reaffirmed the strong bonds of friendship and close cooperation between the Republic of Korea and the United States. The visit also provided an opportunity for discussions between Prime Minister Huh Chung and President Eisenhower on questions of common concern to their two countries. President Eisenhower reaffirmed the assurance of the Government and people of the United States of their continued support for the Republic of Korea and their solemn pledge to preserve the independence of Korea.10

The two leaders gave unqualified endorsement to the principles of the United Nations Charter as standards for international behavior. They pledged that their countries would continue to uphold United Nations principles and work unreservedly and unceasingly toward maintaining peace. To this end, both leaders recognized the vital importance of preserving the alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States of America and of maintaining vigilance and strength, patience and foresightedness, in carrying out the purposes for which this alliance stands.

In the course of the discussions, Prime Minister Huh Chung and President Eisenhower took cognizance of the deep longing of the Korean people for reunification of their homeland. They agreed that every effort must be continued to bring a peaceful end to this tragic division in accordance with the principles set forth in United Nations resolutions, envisaging the achievement by peaceful means of a unified, independent and democratic Korea under a representative form of government and full restoration of peace and security in the area. Prime Minister Huh Chung outlined measures being taken by his country to broaden its international ties and he affirmed his nation's strong desire to be a full member of the United Nations. Prime Minister Huh Chung and President Eisenhower agreed that the Republic of Korea is entitled to United Nations membership and that its membership would strengthen the United Nations.

9

8 Text ibid., pp. 136-138.

See American Foreign Policy, 1950–1955: Basic Documents, pp. 2536 ff. 10 See ibid., pp. 897–900.

Prime Minister Huh Chung and President Eisenhower agreed that efforts should be made to encourage private investment and increase the flow of trade between countries of the Free World.

Prime Minister Huh Chung and President Eisenhower examined Korean and American economic and social programs and agreed that they should be designed and executed so as to foster economic independence, assist social progress, and provide a strong foundation for democratic institutions. Both leaders agreed that continued United States economic assistance is required to help the Republic of Korea maintain economic growth and achieve economic viability as soon as possible.

Prime Minister Huh Chung and President Eisenhower expressed their resolve to continue to serve the cause of peace and strengthen the bonds of friendship between their two peoples.

"THE PROSPECTS OF UNIFICATION, ON WHICH A FULL MEASURE OF STABILITY AND SOUND ECONOMIC PROGRESS IN KOREA LARGELY DEPEND, REMAIN REMOTE": Tenth Report of the U.N. Commission for the Unification and Rehabilitation of Korea, Submitted August 20, 1960 11

11

"THE KOREAN QUESTION SHOULD BE LEFT TO THE KOREANS THEMSELVES, AND THIS SHOULD NOT BE HINDERED BY THE U.N. OR ANY OTHER ORGAN, OR ANY FOREIGN COUNTRY": Memorandum of the "Democratic People's Republic of Korea," November 11, 1960 12

12

LAOS

320. "THE UNITED STATES HAS ... CONSISTENTLY SUPPORTED DULY CONSTITUTED GOVERNMENTS OF LAOS... AGAINST COMMUNIST ENCROACHMENT FROM WITHOUT OR WITHIN": Statement Issued by the Department of State, September 10, 1960 1

1

According to broadcasts from Laos, a revolution has started in that country. The revolutionary movement is reportedly headed

"U.N. doc. A/4466. The Commission subsequently on Sept. 18 submitted an addendum assessing the policies of the government of Dr. Chang Myun, estab. lished Aug. 19 to succeed the interim government of Huh Chung.

12 U.N. doc. A/C.1/830, Nov. 25, 1960.

'Department of State press release No. 527 (text as printed in the Department of State Bulletin, Sept. 26, 1960, p. 499).

by Prince Boun Oum with General Phoumi head of the military committee.2

The United States has in the past consistently supported duly constituted governments of Laos in their efforts to maintain the independence and integrity of Laos against Communist encroachment from without or within. It would regret a situation in which violence destroyed unity thereby increasing the danger of such encroachment. The United States has no desire to intervene in the internal affairs of Laos. It has consistently adhered to and supported the policy that their affairs should be settled by peaceful means by the Lao themselves. It would, however, be immediately concerned by the efforts of any other outside power, or the agents thereof, to take advantage of the disturbed conditions prevailing and to intervene directly or indirectly.

The Department is in regular communication with the United States Ambassador in Vientiane. There are no reports of any danger to Americans in Laos. Dependents of Americans were evacuated to Thailand several weeks ago because of disturbed conditions aggravated by dangerous flooding of the Mekong River.

321. "THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PRESENT FRATRICIDAL WAR IN LAOS... RESTS SQUARELY AND SOLELY UPON THE SOVIET GOVERNMENT AND ITS PARTNERS": Note Handed by the Deputy Under Secretary of State (Hare) to the Soviet Ambassador at Washington (Menshikov), December 17, 1960 3

3

The Government of the United States acknowledges the receipt of the note of the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics dated December 13, 1960.*

The Government of the United States categorically rejects the charges leveled against it in the Soviet Government's note. The United States condemns as a violation of every standard of legal conduct the recent Soviet action in airlifting weapons and ammunition in Soviet planes to rebel military forces fighting the loyal armed forces of the Royal Government in Vientiane. Thus the responsibility for the present fratricidal war in Laos, about which the Soviet Government claims to be concerned, rests squarely and solely upon the Soviet Government and its partners.

The United States has repeatedly made clear its consistent policy of supporting the Kingdom of Laos in its determination to maintain its independence and integrity. Such support will continue. The

2 The movement was directed against the neutralist government of Prince Souvanna Phouma (installed Aug. 17).

'Department of State press release No. 699 (text as printed in the Department of State Bulletin, Jan. 2, 1961, pp. 15–16).

'Not reprinted here; text ibid., pp. 16-17.

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