Telegram from Acting Secretary of State David K. E. Bruce to American Embassy, Pusan

OUTGOING TELEGRAM Department of State 01583 INDICATE: COLLECT SECRET SECURITY INFORMATION CHARGE TO DECLASSIFIED E.O. 13526 Authority RAC 3/28/12 NLT-KOREANWAR RECEIVED DC/T NARA JO Date 2/6/13 ACCEPTANCE UNIT SENT TO: Amembassy PUSAN NIACT 6 24 RPTD TO: Amembassy TOKYO for CINCUNC 45 JUL 3 7 06 PM '52 Origin CINCUNC FE Info: RE Embtels 9 JUL 1 and 22 JUL 2 (RPTD/Tokyo as Dip 4 and 11 SS respectively. G EUR US GOVT most deeply concerned over methods employed in So min Ho L UNA trial which give appearance travesty of justice. Severity of sentence USUN OLI will greatly heighten feeling here and elsewhere abroad that So being CIA ARMY sacrificed for poli motives. FON reaction against POLIT tactics AIR NAVY Rhee group will be greatly intensified with this latest in series of P I what appear arbitrary and dictatorial methods employed by Rhee to IBS DCR beat down opposition in contravention constitutional guarantees and DCRM civil liberties. DEPT notes from press Van Fleet now Pusan. Suggest you discuss with Van Fleet expression by him to Rhee of concern over result trial Dist. Desired of So based upon fact trial conducted by MIL tribunal. (Offices Only) You are also authorized in your discretion and if you consider useful purpose WLD thereby be served discuss with Rhee concern of this GOVT along lines first PARA. Also request urgently as full additional details as possible of Van Ittersum interview with Rhee (URTEL 9) and whether he made it clear he was presenting combined views of UNCURK Br and FR Drafted by: Telegraphic transmission and FE:UAJohnson:eve 7/3/52 classification approved by: UAJohnson Clearances: REPRODUCTION FROM THIS ,95 SECRET SECURITY INFORMATION COPY, IF CLASSIFIED, IS PROHIBITED.