MEMORANDUM
July 16, 1952
When Generals Collins, Clark and Van Fleet and Muccio called on me the conversation was very cordial. Clark particularly congratulated me on the passing of the Amendment. Collins commented very favorably on the ROK Army and told me he had visited all the frontlines and was highly impressed. I told him we all appreciate the services of the late Gen. Walker, Ridgway and Van Fleet. I mentioned that KMAG and the great services they are rendering to our Army. I stressed to them again that if they build up our Army America does not have to lose very much and also the Korean people will never betray America. They were talking about the Indo-China situation. As I did most of the talking I told them that I am not as bad as my enemies make me appear. I do not say that I never make blunders and sometimes I say things which are not pleasing to our friends but I feel it is my duty to say certain things because I want my friends to know that whenever I criticize them it is not only in the interest of Korea. I never lose sight of the welfare and prestige of America. I told them of the aspirations of the Korean people and what they believe is the proper solution of the problems I told them that our people cannot and will not think much of the truce talks even if it goes into a second year. You cannot expect the communists after talking one or two years in Panmunjom to pack up and say, “We are all wrong and you are right and therefore we will go home and you can unify the country.” If anyone expects such a thing there is something wrong with their mental process. Gen. Collins somehow expressed quite emphatically, “We are not the ones, and don’t expect the communists to go home.” Muccio immediately cut in and said we have to consider the preparations necessary and all angles and it was more or less very clear to all of us that we have to have a UN action and so on.
In general, the visit was very helpful and no doubt Van Fleet had done his utmost in convincing Gen. Collins of the wisdom of anting the Koreans. Collins, who was last time rather cool and aloof, was exceptionally friendly and receptive.
