AGREEMENT BY RHEE

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27091, 14 July 1953, Page 9

AGREEMENT BY RHEE

Peking Radio’s Attack (Rec. 8 p.m.) SEOUL, July 13. The Peking Radio said today that Dr. Syngman Rhee “still gives no definite assurance that his government and army will observe the Korean armistice agreement, which is ready for signing.” The radio said that the statement issued by the United States envoy ’Mr Walter Robertson) and Dr. Rhee “has not succeeded in getting Dr. Rhee to observe strictly the armistice agreement. On the contrary, Dr. Rhee has got from Mr Robertson encouragement to sabotage the armistice. “It is clear that the ‘understanding’ achieved between Mr Robertson and Dr. Rhee is that the United States will allow Dr. Rhee a free hand to undermine the armistice 90 days after it is signed.” The radio claimed that Mr Robertson had said in effect that if the postarmistice political conference “cannot serve Dr. Rhee’s purpose of ‘uniting’ Korea within 90 days, then Dr. Rhee may renew the war.” The broadcast also criticised the Rhee-Robertson statement for making no mention of recapturing 27.000 North Korean orisoners released last month on Dr. Rhee’s orders. “The results of the Robertson-Rhee talks are not only of no help to the realisation of an early armistice, but they will further encourage Dr. Rhee In his scheme to torpedo the armistice in the future,” said the radio.