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 Reproduced from the Unclassified/Declassified Holdings of the National Archives

CONFIDENTIAL

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For Ass't Sec'y Parsons from MacArthur.

Seoul for Ambassador McConaughy. from MacArthur.

Now that we have the prospect of a new and democratic regime in Korea I strongly recommend that as soon as possible we seize opportunity to try to bring about durable solution to ROK-Japan dispute. As long as Rhee held power there seemed little chance of any solution but now we have entirely new situation which could lead to liquidation of ROK-Japan controversy. Issues in dispute are not  bilateral between GOJ and ROK but deeply and directly involve US and our inescapable responsibilities in Northeast Asia. As practical matter if reasonable solution is to be found it will be produced only by our good offices and working closely with both ROK and GOJ. It is of utmost importance that we identify and be prepared to move swiftly for solution those specific ROK-GOJ problems which prevent progress toward basic settlement this

CONFIDENTIAL

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