Telegram from Allan Lightner to Secretary of State Dean Acheson

INCOMING TELEGRAM Department of State RE I TELEGRAPH BRANCH 18-H-X SECRET SECURITY INFORMATION Action Control: 2009 FE Rec'd: June 5, 1952 FROM: Pusan 11:33 .m. Info SS TO: Secretary of State G UNA NO: 1292, June 5, 7 p.m. USUN SAM P NIACT I DCR Situation on eve Ambassador's return is summarized as follows: DCRM Pres Rhee shows no signs weakening on major issues. Last- minute decision postpone dissolution of Assembly gives us few days additional breathing spell but his public announcement last night warning opposition Assemblymen to give in or face dissolution of Assembly shows his backdown on June 3 was temporary lapse. His statements to Plimsoll June 5 also show his determination to go ahead at all costs. Prime Minister whose role in present conflict still has us slightly baffled, appears to be doing his best to stand by Assemblymen. However he does not speak directly for opposition group although up to now his views seem to be parallel to theirs. The point is he is extremely anxious to come out on winning side and may well withdraw his support of Assembly group when he convinced game is up. Assembly group wld not necessarily capitulate that moment but loss of PM's support wld be major blow and might well shatter opposition's unity and stamina. I saw PM again last night at Van Fleet's dinner for Sulzberger party and he reiterated point mentioned in EMBTEL 1268 June 4 that diplomatic notes and expressions of concern wld not deter Rhee and unless some assurance giver that US/UN wld do what was necessary to come to rescue of constitutional govt, it might be better for Assemblymen to capitulate now rather than later. He described in detail harrowing effects of present "terror"; many Assemblymen unable visit homes which preiodically searched are their growing fears for lives and welfare of their families. IM said no one wanted give in but if Rhee's triumph inevitable many lives might be saved by recognizing this fact now. He seemed to feel that nothing short of US/UN assurances cld prevent Rhee victory. Muccio cld not be arriving more propitious moment, assuming be will have instructions and policy guidance required to meet sit- uation described above. Issues have been very clear for past 10 days and cannot be ducked by optimistic reliance on further ex- pressions of great concern or frank disapproval. Rhee has one- track 69 REPRODUCTION FROM THIS COPY, IF CLASSIFIED, IS SECRET SECURITY INFORMATION PROHIBITE