PROPOSALS FOR KOREA

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25328, 30 October 1947, Page 7

PROPOSALS FOR KOREA

U.N. COMMITTEE’S DEBATE

SOVIET AND AMERICAN RESOLUTIONS (Rec. 9 p.m.) NEW YORK. October 28. Tlie conflict between the Soviet and the United States over Korea’s future developed in the United Nations General Assembly’s, Political Committee to-day. when the United States proposed the formation of a Korean Government by March 31, and thereafter the early withdrawal of all occupation troops. The Soviet replied by again proposing that all occupation troops be withdrawn by January 1, and that representatives of the Korean people be permitted to participate in the committee’s discussions. Britain supported the American plan, and Australia gave conditional support. Mr John Foster Dulles (United States) moved a resolution proposing the early election of a Korean National Assembly, the formation by the Assembly of a Korean Government, and the withdrawal of all occupation troops. All these steps would be taken under United Nations supervision.

Mr Dulles said that the United States considered the resolution a constructive, workable proposal which, if faithfully implemented, would make it possible for Korea’s 30.000,000 inhabitants to have the statehood to which thev were entitled. A provisional Government should be established at least by March 31. after which the American and Russian troops should make an early withdrawal on a basis determined by negotiation among the new Korean Government, Russia. Britain, America, and China. The United Nations commission which would supervise the Korean elections should remain behind to help to negotiate the withdrawal and oversee an orderly merger of the Soviet and American zones.

Mr Gromyko (Soviet) immediately countered by reiterating the Russian proposal that both American and Russian troops should be withdrawn by January 1, giving the Koreans a chance to choose their Government without interference from outside. Mr Gromyko renewed the Soviet’s objections to United Nations discussion of Korea, claiming that it had been brought about by the United States Secretary of State (General G. C. Marshall) in an “unjustified and unlawful” manner.

Mr Gromyko then proposed that Korean representatives should be allowed to participate in the committees debate. “By representatives of the Korean people I mean truly responsible representatives elected by the people of both the Soviet and American zones, not mere apoointefes of the foreign military authorities in Korea.” Dr. Wellington Koo (China) supported Mr Gromyko’s proposal to invite Korean representatives. Sir Alexander Cadogan (Britain), supporting the American resolution said that the current session of the Assembly could not wait for the arrival of representatives from Korea. The presence of foreign troops in Korea during the proposed elections would not affect the voting because the United Nations commission would see that voters were not intimidated. The committee adjourned.