REPRESENTATIVE IN AMERICA
OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA
1325 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE
SOONHYUN WASHINGTON, DC.
U. S. A.
OFRICIAL LBTEBR FROM DR. SYKGMAH HHEE TO MR. HYUB, BA9ED MARCH 31, 1921, ABB
HAILED AT SHANGHAI.
TRANSLATION IHTO ENGLISH FROM n^R ro^H?
Ky dear Mr* Hyun: Your letter of February 25 has been received. I was very glad
to get it, but I was sorry to note the word of "resignation.11 I do not understand
why you intend to resign while you understand the present situation. With regard
to the work in America and Europe, you are the only man whom I depend upon. Mr.
Kim, a man of high ability and keen judgment and patriotism, has given me up. How
can I carry on the work if you also give me up I Please do not worry me. Xou must
not resign under any circumstances. You have made a very good move to save the
present situation by means of creating public opinion among the students in America.
We have received a cablegram from the Students1 League, in which they pledge to
support the Government. She people out here also are making the same move to maintain the Provisional Government.
With regard to sale of bonds to the Chinese and the issuance of new registration to the Koreans, I am very much in favor of same. She Government cannot object
to this work while the members of the Cabinet and other officials are doing practically nothing. How can I punish you while you are doing good work for the country
with a loyal heart.
Concerning new issues of Five-Dollar Bonds, I presented the matter at the
Cabinet meeting and it was approved by the Cabinet. I will do my best to uphold
the situation here and concentrate the public opinion both here in China and in
Korea* Please do the same thing yourself over there, and I will support you with
all my heart; you, in turn, support me, then we will work together. Kimm Kuisic,
Loh Paik In, united with Lee Tong Whi, Park Yong Man and Nam Hyung Wo, tried to
drive me out of the Provisional Government, and he declared that he would not be
present at the Cabinet meeting unless the President resign. Nevertheless, I appointed him as Secretary of Foreign Affairs, but he has not replied to my appointment as to mðer or not he would accept it. Also as to the Chairmanship of the
Commission, which he holds. His attitude is indefinite, but he is receiving his
salary from the Commission and doing nothing, so I do not understand where he
stands. The members of the Cabinet urge me to dismiss Kimm and Loh; I therefore
saw them in person and advised them to work together, but still they insist that
they would not assume any office unless the President himself resign.
With regard to my intention to go back to America, keep it secret all you
can; otherwise will fail. Send me passage money as soon as possible very secretly, not letting anyone know of it, even the officers of the Commission. I want
to advise you to handle my own writings very carefully, not letting anyone read
them. Of course, you are always cautious in handling the State affairs.
Mr. Ahn refuses to accept the Premiership, but wants to go to America for
the purpose of collecting funds, but I am not in favor of his going to America.
In the first place, members of the Provisional Government object to his going;
secondly, I am afraid that he could not carry on the work in America because he
does not speak English.
f
If you will accept the Chairmanship of the Commission and co-operate with
me to bring about a mutual understanding between the Commission and the Provis-
"•>vflmm'n+ oU/> if mu can •guarantee to send Fifteen Hundred Dollars to
««• -wuB^ai vjw.w^ent monthly, I n save the situation, although millions
of people may oppose it. As soon as you receive this letter, please cable me
as to this matter.
