This document consists of 2 pages 39 2 of 10 Copies Series LM DEPARTMENT OF STATE 53 ASSISTANT Ar To The Segretary through 31 2' From FE - Mr Robertson PM Subject Introduction of Atomic Weapons into Korea 1 I understand that in your meeting with Secretary Wilson on Friday January 18 1957 the question of providing our forces in Korea with atomic weapons may be raised This issue will also come before the National Security Council in the near future in connection with its consideration of a Flaming Board paper posing various alternative force levels for the ROK army which are tied to the introduction of nuclear weapons into Korea Defense has long pressed for the introduction of modern weapons into Korea and a list of proposed new equipment submitted to us in August included the Honest John and 280 mm gun Although approving all other items we have consistently opposed the introduction into Korea of the two weapons named or of any other weapons whose atomic capability is their primary feature for the following reasons 1 Their introduction would constitute a violation of the Armistice Agreement Us 2 Introduction into Korea of those weapons considered by the layman as strictly atomic in type would stimulate serious controversy in which the United States would be censured for violating the Armistice Agreement not only by the Communists and neutralists but also by the Swiss and Swedes on the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission and by marv of our Allies 3 We do not have convincing evidence that the Communists have introduced atomic weapons into Korea In my opinion the introduction of atomic weapons into Korea whether accompanied by nuclear components or not in this time of world tension would have serious adverse repercussions throughout the Far East particularly in Japan where possible fall out is always viewed with a certain amount of hysteria Such action might also STATE DBGIASSIFICATION 8W 2 Osman 25 1 See 3 arm-w Wang 7 -2- also increase the likelihood of the Soviets providing their Chinese Communist allies with similar weapons resulting in a general dif- fu51on in the Far East of potentials for atomic warfare Of course if it is determined that the security of the United States is imperiled by a failure to introduce these items that is another matter to be reviewed in the light of whether we believe it is in our interest to terminate the Armistice Agreement because of breach by the Communists or risk its termination by the Communists on the ground of its breach by the united States on the introduction of these weapons This decision too would have to be considered in the light of the political implications both with respect to Asian and world opinion on the use of atomic weapons and that of our Allies Recommendation That you strongly oppose the introduction into Korea of weapons such asthe Honest John and the 280 mm gun and any other weapons whose atomic capability is their primary feature Approved Disapproved 3 Authority NED DECLASSIFIED 57 Clearances Mam - Mr Phleger EUR IO R6 - FE 3 Bacon Mr Murphy Mr Sebald zNA W ml 1 17 57 - yr 3-1 gym-2W This document consists of 1 page DEPARTMENT OF STATE N0 of 5 copies Series A Tun 1mm Jamiary 17 1957 To The Secretary Through 8 8 From - Mr Phlegerm Subject Introduction of Atomic Weapons into Korea In nv opinion the introduction of Honest John and the 280 millimeter gun both of which are widely known as atomic weapons could not be successfully supported as a matter of liberal interpretation of the Armistice Agreement in the absence of proof that the Communists were bringing in comparable weapons since this would upset the balance established under the Agreement and would be regarded as a violation of the Agreement However I do not maintain that we are forever bound by an armistice agree- ment when its terms become outmoded and impossible to live with and where the other side has already breached it But we must be prepared to take the consequences if because of necessity we do breach it The Communists have already breached the agreement and therefore we may terminate or suspend itcourse the Communists would not be bound by it Enclosure File was h DECLASSIFIED Authoritmuhf lw This document is from the holdings of The National Security Archive Suite 701 Gelman Library The George Washington University 2130 H Street NW Washington D C 20037 Phone 202 994-7000 Fax 202 994-7005 nsarchiv@gwu edu