Telegram from John Muccio to Secretary of State Dean Acheson

INCOMING TELEGRAM Department of State RE TELEGRAPH BRANCH 11 13 SECRET SECURITY INFORMATION Action Control: 7212 Rec'd: June 16, 1952 FE FROM: Pusan 12:24 p.m. Info TO: Secretary of State SS G NO: 1382, June 16, 5 p.m. UNA US UN OLI NIACT CIA ARMY SENT GEN CLARK RPTD GEN VAN FLEET AS DIP 342. AIR NAVY DEPT FOR INFO. P DCR REUR CX 50221, June 15. DCRM 1. I recognize statements made by you and Gen Van Fleet have supported US and UN positions as presented by polit reps. I recognize also validity your stand, supported by State and Defense Depts, that this is still diplomatic phase and shld be handled through dipl channels as mil opinions not (rpt not) yet directly affected. 2. As I tried to point out in EMBTEL 1371, June 14 serious misconception of views of Gen Van Fleet and yourself has unfortun- ately been created in Rhee's mind. This may be intentional distortion fabricated for his own purposes but I think it more likely in view peculiar lapses his memory lately that he is actually convinced your interest so remote that he in effect need not worry on that score. 3. I feel there is imminent possibility of further deteriora- tion in situation, e.g., more arrests, dissolution of Assembly, public disorders, or even breakdown in Rhee's health, leading to great confusion and possible takeover by Yi Pom Suk. (Rhee has been under terrific strain and shows signs physical and mental weakening.) Therefore to prepare for such eventualities I suggested advisability mtg with you (thinking you were still in Korea) and Gen Van Fleet and UNCURK to discuss possible courses should we precipitiously be forced to go beyond diplomatic phase. I still believe we shld do so at your earliest con- venience. 4. As to my point (3) in EMBTEL 1371, I had no intention bringing you and Gen Van Fleet into active participation "with the political reps in the application of pressure brought to bear on Rhee". I suggested joint appeal to Rhee, mainly for the purpose of straightening out in his mind (preferably in presence of Yi Pom Suk) the misconception referred to in para 2 above. B I still am REPRODUCTION FROM THIS SECRET SECURITY INFORMATION COPY, IF CLASSIFIED, IS PROHIBITED