CONFIDENTIAL
Classification
Control: 5/07
Recd: May 1, 1960 12:15 pm
FROM: SEOUL
ACTION: DEPARTMENT 1029
INFO: TOKYO 345, CINCPAC 224
DATE: APRIL 30, 12 MIDNIGHT
CINCPAC FOR POLAD.
State pass DA, CNO, DAF.
In brief session April 29 National Assembly approved message to Korea students praising their struggle on behalf of democracy assuming responsibility for failure to achieve what now had been accomplished by the students’ bloody struggle, and pledging “to accomplish several pressing tasks such as amendment constitution for cabinet responsibility system, and then to leave National Assembly.” Statement also calls on students to turn energies to “maintenance order and settlement this situation. On recommendation Steering Committee, Ad Hoc Committee for considering draft constitutional amendment will meet next today and tomorrow with plenary sessions recessed until May 2.
No action taken as yet on resignation Dr. Rhee. Assembly may take up this matter on May 2, together with election speaker. Current indications are that DP assemblyman will be given speakership. Supreme committeeman Kaak Sann-Hun (new faction) and Kim Pyon (old faction) leading contenders this post. DP apparently willing permit Yi Ch’ae-Hak remain as Vice Speaker and leave other Vice Speakership vacant for time being. Although Assembly as yet has not formally accepted Rhee’s resignation, Huh Chung recently told Ambassador resignation effective as of day tendered, April 27.
Assembly message to students in line with resolution April 26 which, in addition calling for resignation Rhee, stated intention amend constitution to provide for cabinet system after which Assembly “shall be disbanded and general (Assembly) election shall immediately be held.” (Embtel 983.) This formula, which apparently also favored by Huh Chung and his advisors, has gained strength in National Assembly with Liberal members evidently willing support if this acceptable.
DP initially divided this issue, since new faction insisted on immediate new presidential elections and constitutional amendment only after Assembly elections. In change of position outlined earlier conversation (Embtel 1010), Chang Myon April 28 informed Embassy officer that he now of view “would be best” have constitutional amendment first to be followed by new Assembly elections. Chong Il-Hyong confirmed this to Embassy officer yesterday, explaining that new faction yesterday decided alter position in interest party unity, Chang also stated election for “figure-head” president would be indirect. It apparent, however, that Chong had many misgivings re this formula for settling current crisis, and he remarked to Embassy officer that he fearful Assembly efforts this direction will meet with opposition from students, particularly, as he believes likely, if Assembly consideration draft amendment protracted. Chong’s views probably reflect those many “new faction” members.
Although has been much talk in Assembly halls proceed for prompt action in such matters as abolition ML ordinances 55 and 88, repeal local autonomy law and amendment national security law, and police reform, thus far positive action does not appear to have been initiated. Atmosphere National Assembly April 29 betrayed little of tension past weeks. Embassy of opinion, however, Assembly may be living on borrowed time and must take concrete actions very near future if further demonstrations, this time demanding resignations Assembly, are to be avoided. Fact Assembly’s message enjoins students devote themselves to maintenance law and order may reflect realization this fact on its part.
MCCONAUGHY
aem
01/1303