DEPARTMENT OF STATE Memorandum of Conversation
Date: May 9, 1951
Subject: Courtesy Call of the Korean Foreign Minister Upon the Secretary of State
Participants: Mr. Pyon Yongtae, Korean Foreign Minister Mr. Kim Sae Sun, Counselor, Korean Embassy Mr. Pyo Wook Han, First Secretary, Korean Embassy Mr. Dean Acheson, Secretary of State Mr. Arthur B. Emmons 3rd, Officer in Charge, Korean Affairs
Copies To: S/S FE RE Ambassador Muccio
The Korean Foreign Minister, Mr. Pyon Yongtae, called upon the Secretary this afternoon at 5:00 by prior appointment. The Foreign Minister explained that the purpose of his visit was to pay his respects to the Secretary. He stated that he wished to convey to the Secretary the deep feeling of gratitude which the Korean people and their Government felt towards the United States for the tremendous assistance being rendered to the Republic of Korea and for the great sacrifices being made by the American people. The Secretary expressed his appreciation of the Foreign Minister's remarks.
The Foreign Minister then said that Koreans were well aware of the great part which had been played by President Truman in the creation of the Republic of Korea and he regretted that, due to the pressure of time, he would be unable to see the President. He hoped, however, that the Secretary would convey his regret at having been in Washington without having called at the White House and would also convey to the President his remarks concerning the deep gratitude of the Korean people for the magnificent aid and assistance which is being rendered to Korea by the United States.
The Secretary replied that he, too, regretted that the Foreign Minister would not have an opportunity to see the President but that he would convey to him the Minister's message.
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