드래퍼와 이승만 간의 회담

XXXX OF THE ARMY 10 April 1948 MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD Subject: Conference between Under Secretary Draper and Mr. Syngman Rhee, on 28 March 1948 At the request of Dr. Rhee, Mr. Draper and Dr. Rhee had a conference for approximately one-half an hour in Mr. Draper's room at the Chosen Hotel. Outlined below are the views expressed by Dr. Rhee, in many instances as a result of prodding and questions by Mr. Draper. Dr. Rhee said that he felt that continued cooperation is necessary between the United States and Korea. He felt that he was somewhat misunderstood by many Americans, and that he supported American policies. He said that he had supported General Hodge's until December 1946; but at that time felt that he had to work out his own policies because he felt that it was wrong to try to get along with the Soviets. He spoke at length on this subject and said that there is no sense in waiting for the Soviets to come to agreement on the future of Korea, and that the Koreans themselves must be the ones to work out their own problems. He felt that the forthcoming elections were a step in the right direction, and that there will be a great turnout for these elections. He believes the elections will be orderly unless the communist terrorists become too great. He feels that the police, the youth groups, and labor will be able to keep the situation under control. Dr. Rhee believes that any North-South conference of political leaders would have the same unsatisfactory result as the Joint Commission. He stated that the Korean people realize, and are grateful for what the United States has done for Korea. While living conditions have not much improved, since before the war, he agreed that this was a result of the world-wide dislocation caused by the war and that the situation would have been much worse if the United States had not given help. He said that the hope of the Korean people is help from the United States, and that Korea needs United States assistance. (He did not make it clear whether he meant physical or moral assistance) to help drive the Soviets from Korea. He stated that Korea must count on the good-will and aid of the United States, and incidentally the United Nations, and that with this aid it should get on its feet in a short time. Dr. Rhee said that he had heard it suggested that the United States might wish to have a Naval Base on Cheju Island. He said that he felt confident that when a Korean Government is established, that the Koreans would be very willing to have the United States establish a permanent base there. (Mr. Draper made no comment). In reply to a question regarding the ability of Koreans to establish the requisite technical and manageability efficiency in factories, he said that the Koreans are rapidly learning mechanical and industrial know-how, and that further strides will be taken rapidly with United States advisers. With regard to trade, he stated that trade must be assisted by industrializing Korea to take care of the increasing population. He said that Japan will need Korean products, as well as China, the Philippines and Australia. He said that Korea would be able to compete with Japan in trading with the United States and the Far East. In reply to a question regarding trade between Japan and Korea, he stated that certain "preliminary arrangements" will be required, He agreed that trade between Japan and Korea cannot be a "one-way street". He felt that in addition to industrial production, that products of Korean mines and other natural products, will be available for such trade. He felt that Korea can be self-sufficient in food, despite the growing population, by introduction of new and improved agriculture methods. He said that fishing had been good recently. He stated that land reform will have to be one of the first steps which the Korean Government will have to take to help Korean agriculture. He indicated that he understood how difficult a problem it was for the United States to furnish food for Korea in the light of world-wide shortages and recent bad crops. Dr. Rhee was very quiet during the conference and his statements were quite temperate, due perhaps, to the presence of General Dean in the room during the conference.