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Korean War Origins, 1945-1950 Clear All

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Photograph of Kim Il Sung in Moscow, March 1949

Korean War Origins, 1945-1950

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September 20, 1947	Ciphered Telegram, Molotov to Cde. Stalin Molotov relates how the Americans have rejected the Soviet position toward establishing a temporary all Korean assembly. While there is some overlap between both positions, this issue has now been exacerbated by Marshall's move to decide it in the UNGA. The Soviets should respond to this move by reiterating their commitment to a self-determined form of government for Korea, which requires the Soviets and Americans to withdraw their troops.
September 18, 1947	Ciphered Telegram, Molotov to Cde. Stalin Molotov reports his answers to several questions from Vyshinsky: he advises not to be so contentious with Marshall on private questions. On the Korean issues, Vyshinsky should remind the Americans about the terms of the December agreements calling for a united, democratic Korea and that Marshall's new proposals at the UN constitute a violation of these agreements. He approves Vyshinsky's position on the veto and the peace and security committee.
September 12, 1947	Incoming Cable No. 16, Malik to Cde. Stalin Stalin agrees to Malik's proposal regarding the situation in Korea, which calls for the creation of an All-Korean Temporary Assembly to resolve the peninsula's issues. The Soviet representative is to insist to the Americans that such a consultative body be established.
September 22, 1948	Telephone Message via VCh, Kim Il Sung to Generalissimo Iosif Vissarionovich Stalin Kim praises Stalin and the USSR for its role in securing Korean independence and in negotiating with the Americans on the Korean issue
October 23, 1949	Cable Telegram no. 59363 from Kovalev to Stalin, containing a message from Mao Zedong Mao details the actions of the Worker's Party of South Korea, its attempted actions and its repression by state authorities in the last month, and reiterates that he advised against offensive action.
July 12, 1948	Memo of the Directorate for Foreign Relations of the USSR Armed Forces General Staff about the Results of a Conference of Leaders of the Political Parties and Organizations of North and South Korea The statement describes the conference which took place in Pyongyang from June 29 to July 5. The main goal of the conference was to discuss the separate elections held in South Korea and possibilities for the unification of Korea. The North Korean representatives considered the National Assembly formed in South Korea to be illegitimate and urged for the expulsion of foreign powers in order to achieve a unified Korea.
May 15, 1949	Telegram, Shtykov to Vyshinsky Shtykov recounts a recent meeting between Kim Il and Mao Zedong.
July 11, 1948	Record of Conversation between Kim Gu and Liu Yuwan Kim Gu (Kim Koo) and the Chinese Nationalist Minister Liu Yuwan discuss Kim's participation in the South Korean government, his attendance at a conference in Pyongyang, and the possibility of a Russian-led attack on southern Korea.
May 3, 1950	Cable No. 2220, from Filippov [Stalin] to Mao Zedong A message to Mao stating that Mao's requests for aviation equipment, naval equipment and consultants were received and that these requests will be met as soon as possible.
February 9, 1950	Outgoing Telegram No. 2429, Vyshinsky to Shtykov Vyshinsky relays that all of the things that Kim Il Sung requested are allowed.