LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
Classification
Date Sent: 18 October 1960 1:30 PM
FROM: American Embassy SEOUL
TO: SecState WASHINGTON
NO: G-72
Ref: Dept’s G-22
Constitutional amendment which was adopted June 15, 1960, deleted Article 42 para. 2 under which House of Councilors had right to consent to Ambassadorial appointments. Under present Constitution, National Assembly not given this authority which now rests with Prime Minister and State Council (Article 72, Item 11). Ambassadorial appointments are confirmed by the President in accordance with Article 62.
According to YI Ho-jin, Chief proceedings Bureau National Assembly Secretariat, Article 42 para. 2 deleted at time constitutional amendment as part change to parliamentary system. As explained by Yi, it was felt that since Prime Minister is elected by House of Representatives, there no need for special provision to insure his accountability to legislature in matters relating to appointment of high public officials.
YI In (IND) recently introduced to House Councilors a constitutional amendment bill which, inter alia, would restore authority of former Article 42 para. 2. This evidently part of general effort on part upper house to enlarge its authority in relation predominant position of lower house as provided under present Constitution. Such efforts not likely receive favorable reception in House of Representatives.
GREEN
POL: DIRanard
TPShoesmith/cd
