Telegram to Secretary of State Dean Acheson

I-51 INCOMING TELEGRAM Department of State Rova 54. TELEGRAPH BRANCH 4-H PLAIN Action Control: 12437 Rec'd: October 30, 1950 FROM: Seoul 4:59 a.m. TO: Secretary of State NO: 311, October 30. SAM UNA PRIORITY. USUN OLI SENT DEPARTMENT 311, REPEATED CINCUNC UNNUMBERED. CIA ARMY Following is text of press release by President Syngman Rhee AIR issued Seoul October 30: NAVY IE "The United Nations Forces in Korea, under the inspired PA leadership of Goneral Douglas MacArthur, are concluding the DCR superb campaign of driving the Communists beyond our Northern borders. The political unification of our country and its economic rehabilitation now come to the fore as the most pressing problems. "In this connection I desire to state categorically that the Government of the Republic of Korea is determined to act in accordance with the UN General Assembly resolution of October 7, 1950, and to cooperate fully with the UN Commission on Unification and rehabilitation of Korea. "I should also like to point out that there are special circumstances prevailing in Korea which must be borne in mind in seeking the best and wisest solution to future problems. The Korean people are a homogeneous people. The tragic division of the country at the 38th parallel was not of Korean doing or choice. Because the hated Communist regime oppressed our fellow countrymen in the north, beginning in 1945 millions of patriotic, law-abiding Koreans came south to save their lives and their self-respect. These fine citizens will now be going home, to their ancestral residences in the northern part of the peninsula. Having taken part, through the franchise and in some cases through holding public office, in the democratic developments of the Republic of Korea, they may be expected to play a significant role in the future affairs of Northern Korea. "As elections there, I sincerely hope they can be held as soon as a' free atmosphere can be created to allow the once-Communist- ridden people to vote according to their conscience without fear. I must point out, however, that this free atmosphere cannot be established if any Communists or former Communists are allowed to remain in any public office or position of any -51 responsibil REPRODUCTION OF THIS PLAIN MESSAGE IS PROHIBITED