Telegram from Ambassador John Muccio to Secretary of State Dean Acheson

INCOMiNG TELEGRAM Department of State Follie 8 TELEGRAPH BRANCH RESTRICTED A 13 Control: 8321 Action Rec'd: July 17, 1951 FE FROM: Pusan 1:57 a.m. Info TO: Secretary of State P UNA NO: 51, July 17, 2 p.m. OLI CIA DCL DEPTEL 27, July 10. IE URS Since ROK educational rehabilitation beyond normal scope DCR USIE and since integral part over -all rehabilitation for which UNKRA responsible, believe UNKRA rather than Dept or Embassy should determine ROK educational needs, and Dept might limit its action to review and support of UNKRA education rehabilitation program. Realize ROK wld prefer simultaneous UNKRA and American educational assistance, just as President Rhee often expressed desire for simul- taneous UNKRA and ECA economic aid programs. However, be- sides admin unfeasibility such arrangement with possible antagonization UNKRA, independent American education re- habilitation program wld render ROK Education Ministry liable domestic and foreign charges American domination since Education Ministry already closely identified with American support. Same objection applies to American consulate to Minister. UNKRA aware education rehabilitation problem (see EMBDES 233, June 30) and proceeding basic plans technical assistance which believe worthy Dept's support. See no reason why American consultant should not (rpt not) be employed if clearly under UNKRA auspices. Rucker denies suggested Briton as consultant, says merely cited certain British educators as example type qualifications needed, and states has no candidate at present. Believe proper approach to problem wld be despatch to ROK of UN educ survey expert and assistants to operate under UNKRA. on basis of experts recommendations UNKRA should begin education rehabilitation program coordinated with over-all rehabilitation program. Dept might then at its discretion support UNKRA education rehabilitation program by authorizing exchange of persons grants, supplying education materials, and extending other assistance specific- ally requested by UNKRA. Operational details of program should preferably be left to UNKRA Embassy unable provide admin support and personal services which an American education rehabilitation staff in Korea wld require, while UNKRA presumable wld be equipped. Major local -128 RESTRICTED REPRODUCTION OF