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519786514
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Telegram from Allan Lightner to Secretary of State Dean Acheson
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519786514
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document
title
Telegram from Allan Lightner to Secretary of State Dean Acheson
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Korean War Files (Truman Administration)
Department of State Files
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519786514
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28
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1952-05-28
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5
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1952
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9f792c5ce8f0c0d6
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INCOMING TELEGRAM
Department of State
RE
TELEGRAPH BRANCH
7-1
MOP SECREM CEOUR TMU INPORMATION
Action
6
Control:
12861
FE
Rec'd:
May 28, 1952
FROM: Pusan
1:01 a.m.
Info
SS
TO: Secretary of State
G
UNA
NO: 1171, May 28, noon
DCR
DCRM
NIACT
RPTD INFO CINCUNC ADVANCE, EUSAK ADVANCE DIP-204 BY OTHER MEANS.
Previous telegrams should give pretty good background recent
developments Korean political sphere. Seems to us WE have
now very clear picture President Rhee's intentions and methods
he intends pursue to accomplish his purpose. Decision that
must be squarely faced is whether we will permit him get away
with his program. If in line with traditional non-intervention
policy decision as to let him succeed, assume our action will
be confined to diplomatic protest for the record. If we decide
go all-out in support of ROK constitution and democratic govt
set up under UN aegis, series much stronger measures required
and rerequired soon. We envisage what amounts to ultimatum
demanding immediate action to release Assemblymen (except So Min
Ho whose case very special one), full protection of Assembly
to meet, guarantee that Assemblymen and their families will be
protected from future arrest and from mob violence and warning
that if action not carried out within 24 hours necessary pro-
tective action will be taken by UN forces (possible removal of
Assemblyment to safe areas).
Believe it still desirable for initial formal protest and demands
be made by UNCURK, which I understand is discussing draft of
such demands. However, suggest Dept needle Secretary General
to give full support to UNCURK. If UNCURK action fails produce
immediate results believe US Govt should follow through promptly
on lines indicated above.
Realize we are not in position assess all angles of problem but
I submit that if democratic process is permitted to be violated
here in Korea where UN forces and agencies are in special posi-
tion in security, economic and political fields, we will give
impression to the new governments of the Far East and to the
world in general that we are unwilling fully back the system
and ideology we profess. This applies particularly to Korea
where the very elements on whom we have been relying for
building democracy here will be completely disillusioned.
LIGHTNER
twd
SMD :AMH
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