Telegram from Ambassador Alan Kirk to Secretary of State Dean Acheson

169 INCOMING TELEGRAM Department of State O TELEGRAPH BRANCH 1 SECRET Action Control: 9044 FE Rec'd: November 19, 1950 FROM: Moscow 1:21 p.m. Info SS TO: Secretary of State G EUR NO: 1051, November 19, 7 p.m. UNA DCR PRIORITY. SENT DEPARTMENT 1051; REPEATED INFO PRIORITY LONDON 198; PRIORITY PARIS 210. Bevin's proposal for "fresh approach to Korean problem to include establishment of demilitarized area (Department INFOTEL November 17, 2 a.m.) presumably will be unpalatable to Soviets. Continuance hostilities engaging major portion US and some UN forces in Far East would seem to be of con- siderable importance to Politburo in their current world strategy and that they envisage continuance of struggle by "people of Korea" for indefinite period has been theme of all their recent pronouncements re Korea. Further, in general Soviets are disinclined to negotiate losses. Proposal also on face unacceptable to UN as envisaging less than complete achievement UN objectives Korea, and in imply- ing possible weakness tending encourage Communist enemy. However, it is manifestly undesirable continue indefinitely commitment UN (particularly major portion US forces) in Far East and advantages which would accrue from effective cessation hostilities Korea should, of course, be given major consideration in determining US and UN attitude. In any event, it would seem inadvisable, in light of serious- ness of risks involved in present situation, to close the door to negotiation and we presumably wish to maintain maxi- mum maneuverability for attainment of an appropriate solu- tion. Of course, if Bettin's proposal is made and rejected by Commies, such rejection would have obvious advantage of further demon- strating (to those who for one reason or another have mis- givings re righteousness of UN cause) the basic Commie objec- tives and degree of Commie determination to continue opera- tions in Korea. Obviously if Bevin's proposal is to be voiced, the manner of its handling is of utmost importance. In this connection, my -84 REPRODUCTION OF THIS SPONCE MESSAGE IS PROHIBITED