Memorandum from Under Secretary of State James Webb to President Harry S. Truman, with Attachment

E. a 11652. Sec. 3(P) and you et 15 11-1-72 Dep. of State en NLT HC NAR3 Dns 12.5-7 SECT NL 77.46 DEPARTMENT OF STATE WASHINGTON DENTIAL MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT Subject: Korean Request for Arming Additional Koreans of Military Age I refer to a letter from President Rhee which he addressed to you under date of March 26, 1951, and also to a letter of April 21, 1951, from President Rhee to Ambassador Muccio, requesting him to transmit to you President Rhee's personal message regarding the arming of ten additional Republic of Korea Army divisions. Copies of both messages are enclosed. You may wish to reply to these messages by stating that the problem of arming additional Koreans is under the active study of the Departments of State and Defense and of the Commander in Chief of the United Nations Forces in Korea. It is also considered desirable that your reply take cognizance of certain serious shortcom- ings in the leadership of the Korean forces as revealed in recent combat actions. These shortcomings have been of increasing concern to the Commanding General of the United Nations Forces and to this Government. It is suggested that the enclosed reply to both messages be sent to the American Embassy in Korea for delivery to President Rhee. Enclosures: Jan E.Webs 1. Letter from President Rhee, ARCHIVES INATIONAL RECORPS SERVICE' AND March 26, 1951. 2. Copy of letter from President Rhee to Ambassador Muccio, April 21, 1951. 3. Suggested reply to both messages.