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Documents

November 21, 1957

Letter No. 99 from the President (Syngman Rhee) to Minister Duk Shin Choi

President Rhee briefly responds to Choi's previous reported opinions on Korean unification and the threat of Red China and Japan.

November 27, 1957

Letter No. 100 from the President (Syngman Rhee) to Minister Duk Shin Choi

President Rhee briefly responds to Choi's report, expressing disappointment in President Diem's recent engagement of India and Japan.

1954

Freedom to Non-Repatriated Prisoners of War

This note warns that the communists will try to convince the world that these “freed” prisoners are not really freed and during this processing and resettlement period the world will be watching the Republic of Korea and the Republic of China's actions.

1954

The POW Scandal in Korea

According to A.B Carey, one of the lessons learned from fighting the Kremlin and its “communism” ideology is evidently seen amongst the Korean and Chinese prisoners of war. Both groups of POW not only disapprove of the communism but would also actively fight against it if they had the opportunity. Carey uses ten ideas which denounce the Kremlin as the one responsible for the lies and bellicosities during the Cold War. He also proceeds to demonstrate ways the free world can defeat this communist caucus.

May 19, 1954

Letter, Director Karl Hongkee to General Maxwell D. Taylor

Director Karl Hongkee seeks General Taylor’s help for the distribution of the Korean newspaper, the Korean Republic, amongst the American personnel. He articulates that this newspaper reflects the government's official policy and is a medium of government announcements which not only allows Americans to identify Korean views, but also helps Koreans access worldwide news.

January 21, 1954

Letter, General James A. Van Fleet to President Rhee

General Van Fleet first addresses the two sides of the Asian question. Should the US 1) try to “win back Asia” or 2) face the "reality" of the present conditions and should not recommence fighting in Korea? He advises Rhee to concentrate on expanding the ROK army and to leave reunification matters to the US and the United Nations.

March 4, 1954

Letter, President Syngman Rhee to General Van Fleet

President Rhee once again suggests that the US government should increase the ROK defense forces. It will not only be cheaper to fund Korean (over American) divisions, it also means that Americans do not need to fight in Korea. Rhee then negotiates that if the US government implements the necessary military buildup aid, he too will not take any “unilateral action” for or against the future Geneva Conference until after it has been in session. Finally, Rhee advocates his disapproval of US interest to build up Japan.

March 6, 1954

Letter, James A. Van Fleet to President Syngman Rhee

General Van Fleet addresses his concern for the Far East. While some Americans are calling for US withdrawal from South Korea, he insists that the US has a “morale and a material obligation” in the Peninsula.

May 3, 1951

Letter, President Syngman Rhee to General Coulter

President Rhee writes to General Coulter to address the issue of prisoners of war. After stating that releasing POWs would “demoralize” Korean soldiers, Rhee expresses his concern for POWs forced to fight in the North’s side. Rhee states that “democratic-accepting” POWs can be released only after they pass a series of tests proving them to be anti-communist. Once released, these POWs can “carry their stories of fair treatment under a democratic United Nations.”