보도자료

position of the group. He also expressed the wish that those who had not had an opportunity to register at the door before the meeting would do so on the way out. He wanted to know "who you fine people are". He hoped he could count on their help in doing "our task" because what helped them also helped him. He believed Korea had a great future and enjoined them not to spoil it. ************* Headquarters United States Army Forces in Korea, Office of the Military Governor, Seoul, Korea. Press Release - 16 October 1945. Item 1. To eliminate confusion in the minds of the Korean people, Lt. Gen. John R. Hodge, Commander of United States Army Forces in Korea, today defined Military Government as "A provisional government established by the United States Army, under direction of the Supreme Commander, by which the Allied Powers will govern, guide and control Korea south of 38 degrees North Latitude during the transition period between a state of Japanese domination and the establishment of a democratic government of the people, for the people and by the people." Gen. Hodge elaborated, "Military Government is the only government in Southern Korea. It operates through the established agencies of the Government General, the provinces, the counties and the cities. The sole interest of the Military Government is the welfare of Korea and the establishing of basis for a sound government and a sound economy for Korea." This can be done," Gen. Hodge said, "Only if all the people of Korea will obey the orders of the Military Government and cooperate with it. Failure to obey orders and failure to cooperate can only delay the date of complete independence for the nation and be the cause for punishment of those who refuse to obey or deliberately undermine the Government." He warned, "The Military Government is backed by all the power of the Allied Forces who vanquished in war the aggressors, and oppressors of mankind. That same power is available to enforce the orders of the Allied Powers, but it is hoped that it need not be used." "Japanese and pro-Japanese officials are being replaced with good Koreans in all levels of government as rapidly as possible. These Koreans are operating under the guidance of Army officers who are American citizens highly trained in business and government and who have volunteered to help establish stable government in occupied areas. In addition to placing capable Koreans in government positions never before held by them, the Americans are training many other Koreans for governmental positions to the end that they can establish Koreans in all official positions at all levels. They are also placing Koreans in high positions in business and commerce as rapidly as they can find those who have the capabilities for management, and are training others for this work. 2 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 826518