SECRET
NO. 441
FROM: SEOUL
DATE: DECEMBER 1, 1954
RECD: DECEMBER 2, 1954, 12.10 A.M.
SENT DEPT 637 RPTD INFO TOKYO 441, DECEMBER 1, 8 P.M.
Tokyo pass CINCUNC and CG AFFE/ARMY 8.
Exclusive for General's Hull and Taylor.
Statements attributed to FonMin Pyun in New York (UP despatch November 30) again raise question whether Department should tolerate indefinitely criticism of U.S. Government policy and personalities, or whether action should be taken to require Korean political figures in U.S. to conform more closely to accepted standards of official behavior. While I recognize that President Rhee himself especially during U.S. visit last summer has been principal offender, there have also been numerous cases involving Am Yang as well as Pyun.
In contrast Embassy Seoul has been careful to avoid public statements which might appear critical of ROK Government. We have done 30 in accordance aforementioned generally accepted standards and also because we recognize Korea is small struggling battered country whose gropings for freedom and fumbling efforts to utilize tools of government have deserved our understanding and sympathy. Time has come however when difficult interpret Rhee government actions in same charitable light or as having much relevance to democratic practices as we understand them at home. For example performance last week re ROK constitutional amendments (Embassy telegram 623 repeated Tokyo 431 and 626 repeated Tokyo 433) was shocking demonstration strong-arm methods and negation democratic procedure. Again, Rhee's "acceptance" last month of Minute of Understanding was evidently made with mental reservations which promptly took form of intimidation and police pressure when U.S. Government in accordance with Agreement sought sell dollars at auction in Korea. Implications of this violation of Agreement are of course deeper than circumstances surrounding this particular incident.
Thus while Embassy and U.S. Government on the one hand has maintained virtual silence in regard to matters in Korea, Korean officials have enjoyed and continue to enjoy extraordinary latitude to criticize, misrepresent and generally abuse U.S.
I recommend Department take fresh look at this situation and that steps be taken, preferably while Pyun still in U.S., so that behavior ROK representatives, at least while they are enjoying U.S. hospitality, be materially improved.
BRIGGS.
7 copies/e mc
