The Evening Star (August 31, 1946)
Nine-point program offered to develop U.S. zone of Korea
By the Associated Press
Officially recognizing that Korea under American-Russian occupation has become two countries, the United States pushed ahead today with a plan to establish a measure of self-government in the American-ruled southern half.
A State Department policy statement left the door open for new negotiations with Russia for an agreement to unify the Far Eastern country which was ruled by Japan for 30-odd years.
But the United States will proceed independently now with the solution of “urgent social and economic problems” in its own zone, the statement declared.
Nine-point program
It added this country hopes to establish cooperation between all political parties “and a Korean legislative body, to express Korean views and aspirations, and to provide Korean leadership.” It laid down a nine-point program for development of Korea’s economy.
At the Moscow conference of Big Three Foreign Ministers last December, it was agreed to create an American-Russian commission, which was to set up a Korean provisional government.
The country was to be administered as an economic and political unit.
After months of negotiating, however, the American and Russian commanders in Korea failed to reach a working agreement for carrying out the Moscow terms. The 38th parallel, dividing the northern and southern zones, became virtually an international boundary.
‘No imperialistic aims’
Yesterday’s policy statement reiterated the American wish to see “a united, independent and democratic Korean government” established at the earliest possible moment.
It declared this country has “no imperialistic aims” in Korea, but emphasized that the United States intends to uphold its commitments and to “stand by” the Korean people until they are achieved.
It emphasized the American stand for press, speech and assembly freedom and added: “Honest criticism is not considered a crime, but is welcomed and in many cases programs are modified as good suggestions are received.”
The United States is opposed, it said, to “establishing any minority group in power,” but added that all political parties can function freely in Southern Korea.