Presidential Papers, Doc#282 Cable 1092. <EM>Confidential To Chiang Kai-shek, 30 June 1953. In The Papers of Dwight David Eisenhower
<--PREV
Doc #281		  |  Memorial Commission
Home Page		  |  First Term
Table of Contents		  |  Presidential Papers
Home Page 		 | 
Doc#
 |  NEXT-->
Doc #283

Document #282; June 30, 1953
To Chiang Kai-shek
Series: EM, AWF, International Series: Formosa (China) ; Category: Cable 1092. Confidential
The Papers of Dwight David Eisenhower, Volume XIV - The Presidency: The Middle Way
Part II: Settling into "the long pull"; May 1953 to August 1953
Chapter 4: Striving for Unity

 

Dear Mr. President: I have received your message to me of June 23 concerning a mutual security arrangement between the United States and the Republic of Korea.1 My letter to President Rhee of June 6 stated my position on this question.

It is obvious that free world unity is a fundamental necessity in the face of the aggressive Communist threat to world peace. Indeed, it has been through unprecedented unity of action that the aggressor has been repulsed in Korea. Unity and common purpose, however, must inevitably imply certain sacrifices and certain limitations on freedom of action on the part of all partners in a common effort.2 Very heavy sacrifices have been made willingly by the United States and by the other participating members of the United Nations in response to the Korean plea for help from the free world. In this united effort against aggression no one nation can afford to take unilateral action.

The United States, as a loyal member of the United Nations, is deeply concerned for the future welfare and security of the Korean people. We have indicated to President Rhee our willingness, under appropriate conditions, to enter into a mutual security arrangement with the Government of the Republic of Korea.3 I am sure that you will agree, however, that for such an agreement to be effective it must of necessity be based on mutual understanding, cooperation and shared responsibility in achieving the common objective. Without these a mutual security pact would be unworkable and meaningless. The assurance of this cooperation is therefore prerequisite to the conclusion of such a pact.4 Sincerely

1 Chiang's letter, evidently crossing with Eisenhower's of June 25 (see no. 267), expressed his hope for an honorable peace in Korea based on the "solidarity of the free nations" of the region. Without that "solidarity," he feared, "the crisis facing the free nations will worsen even if the truce is signed" (State, Foreign Relations, 1952-1954, vol. XIV, China and Japan, pt. 1, p. 213).

2 See no. 232.

3 President Rhee of South Korea had recently taken unilateral action threatening to the armistice negotiations and embarrassing to the United States (see no. 252).

4 Chiang had argued that a U.S.-South Korean mutual defense pact "would, if signed immediately, contribute impressively to the unity of the free nations" (State, Foreign Relations, 1952-1954, vol. XIV, China and Japan, pt. 1, p. 213). For developments see no. 346.

Bibliographic reference to this document:
Eisenhower, Dwight D. Cable 1092. Confidential To Chiang Kai-shek, 30 June 1953. In The Papers of Dwight David Eisenhower, ed. L. Galambos and D. van Ee, doc. 282. World Wide Web facsimile by The Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission of the print edition; Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1996, http://www.eisenhowermemorial.org/presidential-papers/first-term/documents/282.cfm

<--PREV
Doc #281		  |  Memorial Commission
Home Page		  |  First Term
Table of Contents		  |  Presidential Papers
Home Page 		 | 
Doc#
 |  NEXT-->
Doc #283
 


Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission
1629 K Street, NW Suite 801
Washington DC 20006
Phone: 202.296.0004    Fax: 202.296.6464