이승만 대통령 연설

THE FOREIGN SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA [illegible] . [illegible] American Embassy UNCLASSIFIED Seoul, Korea, May 12, 1949 C [illegible] Action Assigned to [illegible] CV I Action Taken Noted Subject: [illegible] Matters [illegible] . [illegible] remarks Mare at Meeting [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] directions of----- [illegible] [illegible] of Action [illegible] <첨부문서> 이승만 연설 UNCLASSIFIED Enclosure No. 1 to Despatch No. 766, American Embassy, Seoul, May 12, 1949. STATEMENT FROM PRESIDENT RHEE READ BY PRIME MINISTER LEE BUM SUK As the result of the careful supervision of the historic general election last year and the impartial report of the same to the United Nations General Assembly by the UN Commission on Korea, our nation was enabled to obtain recognition from the United Nations and to take part in international political activities. The new UN Commission on Korea which came early this year is endeavoring to assist us in consummating national unification. They are our friends, and we are grateful to them. Great are our expectations for the work of the honorable members of the UN Commission on Korea who are exerting themselves for the justice of mankind and for the peace of the world. If we look back into our past, we are still able to recall memories of the forty years' suffering under the Japanese oppression. It was as a result of the general election last year that the sovereignty of our country was restored and that our country is now able to participate in international activities as a respected republic. This is due to the unceasing efforts rendered by our patriotic people and by members of various organizations who made a success of the general election, in spite of all the adverse circumstances. We may well be proud of this before the friendly nations of the world. I want to take this opportunity to thank all our fellow countrymen. I hope every one of the people will understand the importance of honest elections and of democracy. When I was in Cheju and some of the southern provinces on my inspection tour, I was very glad to observe the diligence and the constructive ambition of the people, and I was proud of it. First of all, I observed that everyone was filled with joy that he became a citizen of an independent nation. Secondly, the people on Cheju Island and in South Cholla Province are determined to fight against Communism. They are taking every drastic measure to prevent the recurrence of riots. If our nation should become a Communist country, we will lose both freedom and sovereignty and shall not be able to exist. Therefore, as I have repeatedly expressed, we have to strengthen our struggle against Communism. Thirdly, there are people who are apprehensive because of the conditions in China and because of withdrawal of U. S. Army forces, but if we bear in mind that we are a homogeneous people with a long history and that we cannot be separated, all the seeming difficulties will be solved. If all the patriotic men and women of our country are united with one motive, Heaven will help us. Let us wait for the time when our fellow countrymen in North Korea can join us in the general election.