Evening star., 1947-05-11
Soviet Bows 10 u. 5.
On Korean Proposals
To5peed New Regime
BACKGROUND OF KOREAN issue
between u. S. and Russia on C-1.
by the A.seeioisd Press

between u. S. and Russia on C-1.
by the A:seeioisd Press
LONDON, May 10.-The Mos
cow radio said today that Soviet
Foreign Minister Molotov had
accepted American proposals on
Korea and expressed hope that
the two powers now could hurdle
the obstacles which for a year
have blocked steps for creation
of a democratic provisional gov
ernment in Korea.
The radio said Mr.. Molotov sent
q letter to Secretary Of State Marsh
all accepting an American formula
for determining what Korean rep
resentatives should be allowed to
appear before the joint American
Soviet commission on Korea, and
stating: |t
II hope that thus there no longer
exists any reason for delaying the
convening Of the joint commits
sion." Mr.. Molotoy has proposed
that the commission open its session
in Seoul May 20.
The commission broke up in May
of last year over Russian insistence
on. qualifications for Koreans testi-
flying before the commission that
would virtually have restricted such
Koreans to Communists and their
supporters. * ...
Marshall Opened Subject.
The letter was the fourth in q
series between the two diplomats on
the future of Korea, now occupied
by Russian forces in the North and
American forces in the South.
Gen. Marshall had opened the
subject during the recent foreign
ministers meeting in Moscow with
a letter to Mr.. .Molotov calling on
the Soviet Union to join with the
United States in restoration OF
Korean independence as soon as
possible.
Mr., Molotov replied with three
point program for Korea including
formation of a provisional govern
ment including democratic" parties,
creation of democratic" organs of
power through free elections, and
aid to Korea in developing her
economy and culture,
Gen. Marshall responded with in
sistence that all Korean political
elements be consulted on the future
government, regardless of what pre-
vious opinions they had expressed.
Correspondence Recalled.
Mr.. Molotov's last letter, which
the Moscow radio said was delivered
to Gen. Marshall in Washington by
the Soviet ambassador, cited an ex-
change of correspondence between
the Soviet and American command
ers in Korea in November and De-
cember of last year
The Soviet commander proposed
that the commission consult demo-
cratic parties and organizations
which support fully the decisions on
Korea reached at the meeting Of the
United States, British and Soviet
foreign ministers at Moscow in De-
cember 1945
That decision provided for placing
Korea under a trusteeship of the
United States, Russia. Britain and
China for a period not to; exceed
T. five years, during which time the
American and Soviet commands
would handle preparatory matters.
Many Korean political leaders,
with the exception of the Commun-
lists, had criticized the trusteeship
proposal, saying it might postpone
and perhaps endanger ultimate In
dependence for their country.
The Soviet commander proposed
that Korean organizations could not
appoint representatives before the
commission who had compromised"
themselves by active opposition to
the Moscow decision
Mr.. Molotov's letter said the
American commander proposed the
amendment that the signing by any
Korean parties or organizations of
"Communique No. S." should entitle
such groups to be nominated for
consultation.
(Communique No. 5, issued by
the joint Korean commission on
April 27, 1916, was a declaration
of good intentions to support the
work and decisions of the com
mission.)
The American commander pro-
posed further that such groups were
entitled to be represented by per-
sons of their choice, but If such rep.
resentative should be found hostile
to the decision of one of the Allies
the commission could ask his re-
placement by mutual agreement.
The American commander pro-
posed also that such groups should
be placed on their good behavior,
and agree not to stir up antagonism
against the joint commission, the
Allied powers or the Moscow deci-
sion.
Mr.. Molotov told Gen. Marshall
that ITO expedite the resumption of
the work of the joint commission
and the formation of the provisional
Korean democratic government 4
srn ready to accept the above amend
ments proposed by the American
commander"
Mr. Molotov said he believed that
"in conformity with the Moscow
agreement on Korea, after finishing
the work involved in the formation
of the provisional Korean demo-
cratic government, the joint COM
mission should consider, with the
participation of this government,
proposals for the American and
Soviet parties concerning measures
for aid and assistance to the politi-
cal, economic and social progress of
the Korean people, to the develop
ment of democratic self-government
and the establishment of Korea's
state independence, and submit
agreed recommendations on these
questions.