주한미육군사령부 정보참모부 주간요약보고

Secret HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES ARMY FORCES IN KOREA Office of The Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2 APO 235 G-2 Weekly Summary For the Period 10 August 1947 - 17 August 1947 NUMBER 101 INDEX To increase the usefulness of the Weekly Summary, an index has been prepared of the more important items mentioned in the issue. Cross indexing has been held to a minimum consistent with clarity of reference. (For issues prior to 10 August 1947 see Index #1, #2 and #3 published 04 June 1946, 29 March 1947, and 10 August 1947, respectively). PARA. OR ITEM INCLOSURE ADDRESSES OF U.S. GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS General HODGE's Liberation Day Speech 4b (2) General LERCH's Address to KILA 6a General LERCH's Liberation Day Speech 4b (2) ADDRESSES OF U.S.S.R. OFFICIALS General SHTIKOV's Liberation Day Speech 4b (2) ATTACKS ON U.S. TROOPS Incl. #1 CHRONOLOGICAL EVENTS Third Supplement Incl. #2 CIVIL DISTURBANCES Incl. #1 Grain Collection Disturbances Incl. #1 ECONOMIC CONDITIONS (NORTH KOREA) Living Conditions 3d (2) Intercepts on 5a Suppression of refugees ECONOMIC CONDITIONS (SOUTH KOREA) AGRICULTURE New KOREA Company, changes in 4b (5) FOREIGN TRADE Korean Merchant Marine, growth of 4b (4) LIVING CONDITIONS Survey on American informational programs 4b (1) ESPIONAGE Attempts at, 3b 3d (1) ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF ARMS AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES Incl. #1 COPY NO. 815 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 Secret Index continued ITEM JOINT COMMISSION Deadlocked Awaiting Soviet instructions re MARSHALL's letter Press Conferences of Chief Commissioners KOREAN INTERIM LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Franchise Law, amendments to Rice Collection Law, reading of NORTH KOREA Suppression or refugee movement PERSONALITIES AHN, CHAI HONG Now KOREA Company LEE, CHUNG CHUN Formation of DAI DONG YOUNG MEN'S UNION RHEE, SYNG MAN Election plans of Liberation Day Speech POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS Arrest of Leftist leaders DAI DONG YOUNG MEN'S UNION, formation of DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S FRONT, activities of KOREAN NEWSPAPERMEN'S ASSOCIATION, formation of NATIONAL SOCIETY FOR THE ACCELERATION OF KOREAN INDEPENDENCE, fund collections of REPRESENTATIVES OF THE KOREAN PEOPLE, and the NATIONAL CONGRESS, meetings of PRESS Comments on, arrest of Left wing leaders Joint Commission Liberation Day SABOTAGE Attempts at, CHONCHON TAEGU THIRTY EIGHTH PARALLEL American Soldiers held by Soviets Border Incidents UNAUTHORIZED SHIPPING U.S. - SOVIET CORRESPONDENCE MARSHALL's letter to MOLOTOV press comments on PARA. OR INCLOSURE 6b 6b 6a 6a 5a 4b (5) 3d (1) 4a 6c 4b (2) 4b (3) 3d (1) 4a 3d (1) 4a 6c 6c 4a 4a 4a 3a (2) 3a (1) 5b Incl. #1 Incl. #1 Incl. #3 4a DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 Secret G-2 Weekly Summary From: 101800/I Aug 47 To : 171800/I Aug 47 Headquarters, USAFIK Seoul, Korea 1000/I 21 August 1947 No. 101 Maps: KOREA, 1/250,000 Eastern ASIA, 1/1,000,000 COPY NO. 25 1. OPERATIONAL INTELLIGENCE None. 3. NON-OPERATIONAL INTELLIGENCE a. Surrendered and Disarmed - No Change: 179,276 b. Progress of Repatriation - This Period To Date Japanese Civilians Arriving from N of 38°(N'KOREA, CHINA and MANCHURIA) 11 288,327 Japanese Evacuated to JAPAN 0 882,957 Other Nationals Evacuated CHINESE 0 1,854 RYUKYUANS 0 274 FORMOSANS 0 103 Koreans Arriving from JAPAN 0 1,108,047 North KOREA 2,552 504,924 MANCHURIA by Land 108 303,679 MANCHURIA by Water 0 3,120 CHINA by Water 0 58,133 PACIFIC Ocean Areas 0 13,986 CHINA by Land 0 13,474 SEA Areas 0 7,244 FORMOSA 0 3,449 AUSTRALIAN Areas 0 3,051 HAWAII 0 2,646 RYUKYUS 0 1,755 PHILIPPINES 0 1,408 HONG KONG 0 302 North INDO CHINA 0 118 TOTAL Koreans Returning 2,660 2,025,336 TOTAL Repatriates Moved Since 15 August 45 2,910,524 c. Estimated Remaining Japanese Civilians in S KOREA 41 d. Koreans Returned to KOREA Attempted Illegal Entry to JAPAN. 18,990 e. Illegal Passengers Apprehended in Korean Waters 416 41 Japanese remain in South KOREA as of USAMGIK census report as of 1 August 47. Secret 1 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 Secret XXIV CORPS G-2 WS #101 3. COUNTERINTELLIGENCE a. Sabotage (1) In TAEGU, a young Korean beggar was promised money by an adult Korean if he would throw a railroad switch which the man would point out. The boy was apprehended just after he had thrown the switch which would have wrecked the southbound Liberator. 500th RGD reports that in an attempt to locate the man, the child has been released and is being trailed. The 500th RGD reports that this is the ninth attempt at sabotage in seven days in the TAEGU railroads yards. (2) A traffic trap was discovered by an American soldier driving towards CHONCHON in a 2½ ton truck. A Korean straw rope was stretched across the road between (1025-1654) and (1035-1655), the driver removed this hazard and continued on down the road for about a quarter of a mile where again he had to stop his truck to remove the second barrier which was a ½" steel cable similarly stretched across the road about four feet off the ground. b. Espionage (1) KIM, Duk Pai, whose present occupation is "Doctor" has been accused by an informant (B-3) of being a North Korean agent. The informant states that KIM was formerly the Chief of the General Affairs Section, SARINON Police Station, North KOREA, and that he is not collecting information on South KOREA for the North Korean Government. c. Secret Organizations - None Reported. d. Mail Interceptions (1) Political Activity Political activity according to the mail interceptions took many ramifications. The recent efforts of General LEE, Chawng Chawn to consolidate all right wing youth groups (See W/S 97, par 6c) were commented on by a writer who states that the preparatory association of DAI DONG YOUNG MEN'S UNION was organized recently under the leadership of General LEE. It was decided that the former HANKOOK CHUNGYUN HWAE (Korean Young Men's Association) would merge with this union. Concerning the activities of the DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S FRONT, a police report states that "according to the executive members of the FRONT, the nation will be lost if a separate government under RHEE, Syng Man is formed in South KOREA. For this reason we must support the Joint Commission to save KOREA. Let us fight to the last man to keep the rightists from breaking our nation into two sections". This same report states further that the left wing has started to bribe the police to join their organizations in order to ascertain police plans and actions. Additional infiltration of the police is indicated by another police report which quotes an informer as stating that there are four North Korean policemen attending the Division "A" Police Academy in South KOREA. Continued information on the left wing arming themselves with spears makes its appearance in many sources. A police report states that the people of SATCHAWN KUN are starting to follow the left wing as the right wing 2 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 Secret 미국자료 | 475 SECRET XXIV CORPS G-2 WS #10[illegible] has gone under cover since their last clash with the leftists. The leftists are also preparing bamboo clubs and spears to be used in case of another clash with the rightists. It is expected that these weapons will be used in any disturbances that may arise if the Joint Commission should fail. (2) North KOREA Recent intercepts from North KOREA give wide and varied concepts of living conditions in that area. Reports which tend to paint a rosy picture may be relegated to propaganda efforts on the part of the SOVIETS to off-set the many negative descriptions of life in the northern zone. Typical of this trend is one letter which comments on the abundance of food and supplies and says that North KOREA is a paradise. While another offers contradictory evidence that conditions have reached the stage of insufferability. The writer states that "we shall be starving to death in the near future. There is no food to be found here in YONGHUNG KUN, HAMGYONG-NAMDO. It is very difficult to obtain gruel even once daily. At present the price of rice is 1700 yen per large mal. In general the prices of goods are rising each day". Indicative of the special treatment afforded technicians, is a letter from an engineer who writes that because of his profession he has received a daily ration of five hob (1 hob equals 0.318 pint), and his family receives 3.5 hob each. Some light is thrown on the censorship exercised by the Russian authorities, by a writer who advises caution in writing to him as he is under suspicion because of a letter addressed to him but not yet delivered. He emphasizes the need for brevity and extreme care as to the contents of all correspondence. In another letter an anti-Russian Korean speaks his mind. He states, "The Russians in North KOREA are cleverly making fools of the Korean people. No Korean who is intelligent can get along there. Even the farmers cannot become rich since the Revolution. To my regret, the farmers in South KOREA are fools enough to believe the Communists who say, 'The living conditions of the farmers in North KOREA are much better than in South KOREA'. They do not know that the farmers in North KOREA are so hungry every day that they eat the bark of pine trees without hesitation. The Russians who live on Korean food - rice, beef, pork, chicken, etc., are brazenfaced enough to say "Korean people usually eat pine tree bark between meals; that's their custom". c. Telecommunications (1) Telegraph - No change. (2) Telephone - Lines to points north of the 38th parallel remain inoperative during the period. 4. CIVIL RELATIONS a. The Press Liberation Day: 15 August brought forth an editorial burst depicting the despair of the Korean people over the continued existence of the 38th Parallel separating their nation, and the apparent hopelessness of attaining an independent government, generally attributed to KOREA being caught in the power squeeze between the UNITED STATES and the USSR. The DONG-A ILBO (Oriental Daily News - ERW) on 15 August stated that the people are indignant since all of their hopes have been frustrated. "In North KOREA, the inhabitants were compelled to follow the Russian way of life, while in the South, they were to mimic the Americans. Thus, the division of the country split our way 3 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 SECRET XXIV CORPS G-2 WS #1CT of thinking, not to speak of our politics, economy and culture. We do not know when our fratricidal conflict will end". The Soviets are said to be communizing KOREA; however, again Military Government authorities are said to be at times at variance with the TRUMAN DOCTRINE; the MARSHALL Principle, and not responsive to the tendency in AMERICA. KIM, Koo, in the MIN JOONG ILBO (People's Daily Times - ERW), stated that the two allied powers had been KOREA's benefactors by liberating KOREA from the oppression of JAPAN. Now, however, KOREA had to be liberated from the hands of these very benefactors! "In the history of all independence movements, we cannot find out the fact that a nation could get independence without struggle by their own hands". The ELW DOK LIB SIMBO (Independence News) blames the present condition of the country upon the imperialistic influences and fascism which have not, as yet, been purged from KOREA. "The postwar world is full of aggressive policy. Therefore, a bitter fight between democracy and fascism is being developed". A comparison between North and South KOREA leaves it all too clear that fascism rules in the South, where "democratic patriots are being persecuted and political freedom lessened". The ERW NOLYAWK IN MIN (Laboring People) continue the theme of oppression and terrorism rampant in South KOREA, this being part and parcel with Administrative Order No. 5 which prevents private celebration of the Liberation. The KWANG MYUNG ILBO (The Daily Sun - LW) carries this further. "In North KOREA where the people control the administrative power, the land reformation and other democratic evolution is successfully performed. They will have a great memorial day of 15 August. This is an incomparable sample of battle between the people and international capitalism. It is not an accidental matter that we shall have a memorial day of 15 August amid such a complicated situation". Arrest of Left Wing Politicians: The flame of leftist indignation engulfed their press over the sudden arrests made on 12 - 14 August. "Millions of Japanese Imperialistic Invaders Will Not Be Able To Destroy Our Spirit for Independence" was the 14 August headline in the NOLYAWK IN MIN. That paper saw in this not a reactionary plot to destroy the Joint Commission, which they claimed would be unsuccessful. "If the Anti-Trusteeship elements should think they will be able to castrate the people by assassinating the democratic patriots, disturbing the democratic parties and arresting the leaders of the people by false reports, that is their idle dream .....the people will defend the democratic camps with their lives". Said the KWANG MYUNG ILBO on 14 August, "We are struck dumb with astonishment at the authorities' attitude to row against the stream. We can hardly know what the recent arrest of leftists means, because the authorities did not yet announce the reason for it. However, we guess that they intend to destroy the people's belief in the success of the Joint Commission". On the other hand, the ERW MYUN DAI ILBO (Modern Daily News) on 13 August jubilantly reported that the police had "detected the beginning of the greatest plot that had been made since the emancipation." Joint Commission: Once again the press chose up sides over whether Generals SHTIKOV or BROWN had properly analyzed the Korean situation in their 09 August press conferences. (See W/S 100, par 5b) The rightist press regarded the statement of General BROWN as a state document of highest magnitude. Said the DONG-A ILBO on 12 August, "When we read the statement, which was full of sincerity, we cannot but be carried away by our admiration." They state that this statement solved their doubt that "The Americans coax us with honied words and intend to sell KOREA to some foreign country". The rightists took up General BROWN's question, "What are the Russians trying to do?" The MIN JOONG ILBO on 12 August said that "the Russian policy is intending to force an anti-national idea on our backward people by saying that trusteeship means aiding and that it also means independence..." For what it is worth, the Anti-Trusteeship Committee, clearly, was going to stand as presently constitute nor were the members going to alter their long cherished notions on Trusteeship - or the Soviets. The left wing had nothing new to offer. Their demands would be met if all of the pro-Japanese and Anti-Trusteeship parties were excluded from consultation. Right Wing Activities: a. Korean Newspapermen's Association Formed. On 10 August, this association came to life under the personal blessing of RHEE, Syng [illegible] 4 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 75070 XXIV CORPS G-2 WS #[illegible] KIM, Koo and KIM, Seung Soo, The DONG-A ILBO, and others, reported their platform which called for free speech, prompt and accurate reporting with the rejection of false propaganda. Their creed is "to bring about the complete independence of our fatherland". Dr. RHEE delivered the most important address - "If the people desire the prosperity of their nation, they must have their own ideas. Thus, men who work for a national policy and administration can work according to the people's ideas. The people's ideas are known to those who are engaged in national affairs through press organizations....In RUSSIA, since ideas which do not belong to the statesman cannot be disclosed, the intentions of the people are not known. However, in democratic nations, the ideas of the people are the basis of national administration....There is a difference between truth and advocacy. It is good to express their (newspapermen's) own advocacy; however, they must report the truth...." RHEE, however, could not deal forever with platitudes, thus, he is reported as saying, "In establishing our government, we should not expect help from others. We will not be able to have a government which we want if we expect help from foreign nations or the Joint Commission. When we have established an official congress by our people's opinions and through a general election, we can establish our own government". The dignity of RHEE's remarks is somewhat lost, however, when he presents his views on what is necessary for KOREA. "It is the duty of newspapermen to lead our people. We must have the idea of unity for the establishment of our government and give up individual advocacy. We must make the world know that the above demand is the desire of all the people. It is the newspapermen who sacrifice themselves to lead the people in the right way". QUERY: Are the newspaper-men to mirror the people's desires, or are they to lead the people along the lines advocated by Dr. RHEE? b. DAI DONG YOUTH CORPS Formed Right wing newspapers reported this youth organization having been formed under the leadership of General LEE, Chung Chun, the preliminary meeting having been held on 07 August. Initial newspaper reports indicated that the major rightist youth associations would, thus, be united under one banner. Judging by past rightist propensities for individuality, it can be assumed that many of these leading youth groups will prove indigestible for LEE. c. The MARSHALL Letter to MOLOTOV. This letter, delivered in MOSCOW on 13 August, at the close of the period, had not as yet been fully discussed in the press. Early right wing reaction was favorable, viewing MARSHALL's proposal for a report on the status of the Joint Commission to be prepared by 21 August, as a step forward. The report was to enable each government to determine "what further steps (might) usefully be taken to achieve the aims of the MOSCOW Agreement". The NATIONAL SOCIETY for the ACCELERATION OF KOREAN INDEPENDENCE apparently saw in these words an impending Big Four Conference on KOREA. This, they welcomed. (KYENG HYANG SHIN MUN (Rural and Urban News - RW- 17 August 47) b. The People (1) Survey of Effect of the American Informational Program in Rural Areas A recent distribution of information in the rural comunities near KWANGJU, by the Office of Civil Information, afforded an observation that the people of this area were extremely receptive toward American informational programs. Almost without exception, the people eagerly sought copies of NONGNIN JUBO (Farmers' Weekly) and the SEIKEI SINBO (World News) from the surveying party. Except in the intense Communist centers, the people themselves and the officials all indicated a strong desire for newspapers and radios so they might have news of KOREA and world events. Newspapers reach settlements on the main highways only and the radio is limited greatly by lack of power, radio sets and parts for repairs. Where a village has a radio, it is a center DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 5 XXIV CORPS G-2 US #101 of village interest, all of the people of the village are interested in it. The field for the distribution of American informational materials to the Koreans in this area is large. However, the educational level presents a complex picture. In terms of years of schooling, the level is below primary school, with a majority having received no schooling at all. Few can read Chinese ideographs; however a strong majority are literate in the hangul phonetic alphabet. This unquestionbly is due in large part to the activities of the Adult Education program. The level of literacy in women, though hard to determine through their inherent reluctance to be interviewed, probably lies somewhere between thirty and fifty percent. During the course of the survey, it became apparent that there is a measure of agitation in points scattered throughout the area, and that this agitation is Communist in origin. From the very outset, certain communities were distinctly hostile to the survey party. The ideas and reactions of these particular communities are clearly different from those of adjacent areas. It was all too clear that outside influences had implanted strong hostility to American efforts in KOREA. Nevertheless, while extreme leftist organizations were openly active in many of the communities of the area until October 1946 when they were dissolved, it is apparent that their activites have continued under the guidance of the SOUTH KOREA LABOR PARTY with execution by the outlawed CHOSUN MIN CHUNG. The tendency throughout this particular area varies greatly from village to village, showing that the village is the separate center of thought and activity. The people have little contact with outside areas. Most of the settlements are from thirty to one hundred houses in size, all straw thatched, poor homes. Electric power and the potential use of a radio (except for battery sets) rarely extends below the myon village. As indicated previously, Korean newspapers come infrequently. The line of anti-American propaganda which is the foundation for the antagonism observed, and typical as well of propaganda throughout the area, is entirely negative in theme - hostility to Military Government policies and programs - rather than positive Communist doctrine or false praise of the Russian occupation of North KOREA. It is carried on through word-of-mouth campaigns of malicious rumors and destructive criticism. The people of those communities uniformly complained of police and rightist persecution, the inadequate supply of fertilizer, summer grain and rice collection programs and the failure to redistribute land. Except in the aforementioned leftist villages, there was a universally friendly reception of the distribution group. Plans made prior to the trip emphasized observation of village behavior expecting that there would be wide variation and some hostility. The reception far exceeded expectations. The people of the communities rarely showed any suspicion or restraint in their behavior, and generally expressed their opinions in an apparently candid fashion. Variation in their behavior was shown less in hostility and friendliness than in the variation naturally produced by the manners and physical nature of the community. The most apparent factor in the physical appearance of the communities visited was that it was determined by the surrounding fields. Those in open areas of rice fields were larger and more prosperous; those in narrow valleys and poor land were smaller and less prosperous. Everywhere, the basic activity was the raising of rice, and the common home was the poor farmer's hut, closely resembling the adobe huts of the American Southwest, except for the thatched roof. COMMENT: Obviously there is a strong need for a close connection between informational programs and other major programs and policies of USAFIK which affect the Korean people. Utilization of the receptiveness to American informational materials would enable a strong influence to be exerted upon areas in preparing them for an explanation of American policies. DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 6 Secret XXIV CORPS G-3 WS #101 Considering the lack of newspapers and the widespread ignorance of Chinese ideographs, the few posters which are mostly political in nature, people in relatively isolated areas are receptive to most any type of news, factual or otherwise. Here, however, the distribution of the FARMER's WEEKLY fails in its purpose of reaching the vast majority and in many instances has an irregular distribution, arriving too late to be of current value. The only apparent remedy would be to supplement this system with mail deliveries to the schools, varying quantity according to total population, number of schools and their size. (2) Liberation Day Passed Peacefully With the majority of the leftist leaders either in hiding or safely reflecting in jail (see par 4b (3) below), 15 August, the second anniversary of KOREA's liberation, passed without other major incident to disturb the populace. Since the enactment of Administrative Order No. 5 prohibited Liberation Day demonstrations other than those under the auspices of the government, the leftists generally refrained from celebrating at all, whereas the rightists made capital of turning most ceremonies into sounding boards for their Anti-Trusteeship utterances. SEOUL saw what was estimated to be the largest gathering in its history, when nearly a quarter of a million persons turned out at SEOUL Stadium and environs to hear the speeches of General HODGE, high officials of the American Command and of the South Korean Interim Government, General SHTIKOV, the consular representatives of the British, Chinese and French nations, Dr. RHEE, Syng Man and other leading right wing politicians. Left wing leaders had been invited to speak but declined. General HODGE concluded his speech by stating that he and his staff were eagerly awaiting the day when the Allies would turn the government over to the Korean people, and when KOREA, thus, would be an independent nation. General LERCH also expressed the hope that KOREA would soon take her place as one of the honored nations of the world. The British Consul, Mr. KERMODE's excellent speech contained the thought that man's struggle upwards has always advanced, with each succeeding generation adding its bit to the overall accumulated knowledge, acquired by the toil, pain, and work of those gone before. The people must not squander this on themselves, but should pass it on, greater and mightier than ever before. He stated that he would like to see this day celebrated for true independence, with those future celebrants conscious of the fact that the Koreans used their time in noble endeavor. General BROWN stated that "if KOREA is to become a democratic nation, Koreans must remember to respect the right of political differences of opinion. Those who seek to exclude from government all who disagree with them are not democratic. They do not understand democracy". The next address, and the first one political in nature, was delivered by Dr. RHEE, who received the day's greatest ovation. He stated that it is a known fact now that the Joint Commission cannot settle the differences between the two great powers. RHEE displayed a pro-American attitude, but probably with an eye on North KOREA he said, "So long as our brothers occupy our house by compulsion, there cannot be natural friendship and peace... Because AMERICA is one of those nations which negotiated the separation of KOREA, she cannot evade her responsibility by withdrawing (separately) from KOREA. It is reasonable for AMERICA to make the Soviets understand her injustice and withdraw from KOREA peacefully and then withdraw in her own turn". The decorum of the crowd erupted when General SHTIKOV rose to speak. Raucous heckling and booing practically drowned out SHTIKOV's address, and did render his interpreter's voice inaudible. Every effort to quiet the crowd was unsuccessful. Since the Soviets had made such an issue of the 23 June Anti-Trusteeship demonstration, the participants of which had displayed a "ruffian attitude toward the Soviet Delegation" (See W/S #95, par 5b, et seq) it can be anticipated that more will be heard from this incident, probably DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 7 Secret Secret XXIV CORPS G-2 WS #101 within the sessions of the Joint Commission. In spite of the 17 August letter written to General SHTIKOV by General HODGE, expressing regret for this disorderly conduct, the Soviet concept of government control precludes the possibility for such an incident happening - unless the government had planned it that way. COMMENT: This 17 August letter mentioned above ended with General HODGE's statement, "Both personally and officially I express sincere regret that the growing resentment of the Korean people in the American zone against the Soviet stand in the Joint Commission should so overcome their natural courtesy as to lead some of their young men into spontaneous public expression". These young men were actually led by the NORTHWEST KOREAN YOUTH ASSOCIATION and the booing was not exclusively reserved for General SHTIKOV. It spread to the highest Korean leader of the South Korean Interim Government, AN, Chai Hong, who epitomizes RHEE's concept of an arch coalitionist, and thus, a communist follow-traveller. On 16 August, prominent Koreans who had aided in arranging the celebration, tried to call on General SHTIKOV to apologize for the incident, but were refused audience by the General. Posters which were carried by right wing youth organizations at the Stadium, and in the parade which followed, announced the usual opposition to Trusteeship. In the demonstration, the NORTHWEST members were the most vociferous in their chants against communism, trusteeship, and the presence of foreign troops on the soil of the fatherland. The provinces were generally quiet with government-sponsored demonstrations held in most places. At HOP CHON (1114-1402), two persons were killed when leftists attacked a police box but these were the only violent deaths reported. The arrest of the leftists appear to have had a salutory effect on the civil peace of South KOREA. (3) Leftist Leaders Arrested in Police Roundup On 12 August, police authorities started a drive to arrest the leading leftist politicians, against whom there were strong indications that leftist demonstrations were planned for 15 August in violation of Administrative Order No. 5. The police were given orders to apprehend twenty leaders in the SEOUL area; however, their instructions were individually construed loosely, and more arrests were made. At the close of the period, no official police report was available as to the numbers arrested; however, indications were there were approximately two hundred. HUH, Hun, the chairman of the SOUTH KOREA LABOR PARTY, could not be located, and most of the others in the communist heirarchy escaped the police dragnet. Many leftist politicians, not regarded as Communists, were less suspecting, and thus, more easily arrested. Metropolitan Police Chief, CHANG, Taik Sang, in press interviews, has indicated that approximately one hundred leftists will be turned over to the Procurator's Office for prosecution under SCAP Proclamation #2, to be charged with plotting the disturbance of the public peace. Evidence against these men is not yet known to this office; however, certain confiscated documents indicate guilt on the part of the leaders of the DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S FRONT. One of these documents reaching CIC on 12 August stated, "Dear People. Let us go to the place of ceremony on 15 August. Let us meet the obstacles. Let us strongly combine together ....young men should go to the DEMOCRATIC PATRIOTIC YOUTH ASSOCIATION. Intelligent and cultural people should go to the CULTURAL ALLIANCE. Dear Citizens. Go to the DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S FRONT. Let us obtain our Democratic People's Republic with combined efforts." Other documents showed posters to be displayed and speeches to be given on 15 August. In the southern part of the American occupied zone of KOREA, police seized documents which outlined a plan of action to be taken in case of failure of the Joint Commission. The plan covered the organization of areas under respective leaders who would supervise the demonstrations and riots in their districts. DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 8 Secret Secret IV CORPS G-2 WS #101 COMMENT: That the raids and arrests had a beneficial effect can be judged by the relatively quiet Liberation Day celebrations, in marked contrast to the disturbances which occurred last year, especially in Southern provinces, and which arise on each significant Korean holiday. Rightist youth seized this opportunity to conduct their own private campaign against anyone they considered leftist. Their leaders had publicly announced that the American policy for KOREA had changed and that efforts to make "deals" with leftists were being terminated. These statements, incorrect as to analysis of past policy, as well as false as to interpretation that suppression was to be in order for all leftists regardless of proven guilt of criminal acts, doubtlessly influenced these youth. In any event, they raided homes of persons they had marked for purge, and made their own private arrests, even flagrantly announcing two of these apprehensions in an organ newspaper, the HYUN DAI ILBO (Modern Daily News - ERW) on 14 August. Considering these activities, the leftists might well have lain low. The police are presently alert so as to avoid repetition of such actions which could go a long way to disrupt law enforcement in South KOREA. (4) Korean Merchant Marine Boosted by Addition of American LSTs With the announcement by the Chief of the Marine Bureau, Department of Transportation, on 12 August that twelve LSTs had been received by that bureau, the Korean Merchant Marine came into prominence. These ships, which were received through the Civilian Supply program, will form a nucleus of the future Korean merchant ships, and will be presently used to conduct coastwise shipping of Korean materials, also received under the Civilian Supply plan. It was stated that native shippers will be granted bottom space for their products when the Bureau of Marine Transportation has been sufficiently built up. In the meantime, a few Korean-owned ships were available to commence the transportation of cargo to CHINA. Agreement now exists between the Military Government and the Chinese Government as to permission for the use of the Korean flag on Military Government registered ships. (See W/S #98, par. 4b 3). Prior to any ship being dispatched to Chinese waters, clearance will be secured from that government, either through the Consul in SEOUL, or through the USAMGIK Liaison Officer in SHANGHAI. The Chinese Government maintains stringent regulations over permissible Chinese imports; however, when specific transactions of mutual interest can be negotiated, that commerce will ensue. These restrictions, which prohibit the importation of the non-essential items which are mainly available for export from KOREA, plus the fact that the Chinese Government seeks trade on a Government-to-Government basis, rather than merchant-to-merchant, makes trade with CHINA less favorable than is hoped to be initiated with other nations. At the present time, Military Government will accept approved cargoes for importation to KOREA on a barter basis, providing the cargo carriers enter South KOREA at one of the five approved open ports, of which INCHON and PUSAN afford the best facilities. COMMENT: Korean crews are presently receiving training on LST operation in PUSAN, and it is hoped that this program will equip Korean crews with modern operational techniques, which were generally deprived them during the long Japanese occupation. In May 1947, nine hundred and nineteen ships belonging to the Korea Steamship Company (vested SKIG property) had a gross tonnage of 52,690, of which there were four hundred and seventeen of 26,072 gross tons, in operation in the same period. Difficulty has been experienced with the operation of all of these vessels due to the scarcity of materials for maintenance and repair, scarcity of ships supplies, lack of properly trained personnel to man the ships and carcity and high price of fuel and lubricants. There is, however, hope that the present Chinese domination of shipping with CHINA and MACAO will soon be eliminated with a granting of permission for Korean ships to ply these waters, together with the availability of seaworthy bottoms to handle the trade. DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 9 Secret SECRET CORPS G-2 WS#101 (5) Changes in the New KOREA Company A Committee under the chairmanship of AHN; Choi Hong, Civil Administrator which has been discussing the legal background for control of the New KOREA Company recently presented a unanimous recommendation to the Military Governor which reads as follows: "The New KOREA Company will be operated under the terms of Ordinance 80 and Property Custody Order No. 9. Ordinance 80, insofar as it prescribes operational methods for the company, must be implemented with a set of by-laws which will be submitted by the Board of Directors of the New KOREA Company for the approval of the Military Governor. The New KOREA Company is responsible to the Property Custodian for policy on matters involving vested property, and to the respective departments of SKIG for the implementation of other official government policies". The Committee specifically refrained from making any recommendations on the way the New KOREA Company should be operated and the amount of responsibility that should be delegated to the Korean and American officials. That problem, the Committee agreed, should be left up to the Board of Directors and adequate bylaws should be adopted, specifying such operational details. The Committee also refrained from recommending who should be on the Board of Directors of the company but agreed that the existing American and Korean presidents would recommend to the Military Governor the names of men to replace several Directors who will no longer serve in that capacity. These changes when approved, will bring about a meeting of the new Board which will prepare a set of by-laws for the operation of the company, specifying the responsibilities to be delegated to the Korean and American officials. COMMENT: The New KOREA Company should never be under-estimated as a potentially powerful political instrument were it ever to fall under the control of unscrupulous political interests. With its jurisdiction over 1,000,000 acres of farm land, and 5,000,000 tenant farmers whose economic lives are an inherent part of company administration, any untoward attempt to control company policy must necessarily be regarded with suspicion. Recent efforts to Koreanize the company could be politically colored although there is no evidence tangible enough for proof. Within the company recent drastic personnel changes were considered necessary in order to assure loyalty to the company rather than to the personal ambitions of some of its officials. 5. SUMMARY OF INTELLIGENCE IN ADJACENT AREAS a. Refugee Movement from North KOREA Being Suppressed Recent intelligence concerns the experience of a North Korean school official who fled to South KOREA after he found existence completely insufferable under the Communist regime. Of noteworthy interest are his difficulties in travelling to the southern zone. The newly created Russian policy of over-all suppression of the exodus from the northern zone is giving credence to the belief that the Russians are confronted with the final realization that the flow of refugees from the north is giving adverse publicity to the "ideal" conditions in North KOREA, so persistently extolled by Radio PYONGYANG (See W/S #92, par 5). While heretofore, the Russians regarded the refugee movement to the south as an expedient to rid themselves of trouble makers while at the same time gaining material wealth by confiscation of property for their mercenary followers. The about face in their thinking represents a facing of facts in order to avoid further advertising of their untenable position in having established North KOREA on a police state basis, in the furtherance of highly imperialistic Russian aims. DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 10 Secret Secret XXIV CORPS G-2 WS #101 The informant, a person of background in the intellectual sense, had been undergoing a series of minor difficulties with the authorities which was culminated by his belief, and statement to the effect, that it was the duty of the government to feed the beggars on the streets. He was summarily brought before the Provincial People's Committee for this "treasonable utterance" and informed to cease his criticism of the regime or resign his position. In spite of his announcement of loyalty and intention to remain, he had word of his impending arrest, so decided to leave the Soviet zone. It was necessary for him to leave behind his family and more than likely he endangered their freedom by doing so. It has been a common practice in the northern zone of KOREA to exact retribution against the families of those who flee to the south, more especially in those cases where the refugee has agitated against government policies. A well calculated twist of the communist mind would readily place this school official in that category. The substance of this North Korean's comment contains the all too familiar details of life in the northern zone. He describes the nouveau riche party officials, the unrest of the peasants, the cruel exactions of the People's Committee, the pyramid of taxes and the kangaroo courts. He confirms the enforced teaching of Communism and the wide spread anti-religious propaganda. Of particular significance is his description of arriving in HAEJU where he soon learned of the increased difficulties to be found in crossing the 38th Parallel. A number of underground information centers which had been giving data on routes to the south had been raided. All of the better known avenues of escape were under constant police surveillance and many arbitrary arrests were being made. Stories were rife about the Korean border guards extorting huge sums of money from the refugees and in instances of refusal - imprisonment. Also stated, but not confirmed, were reports of guards shooting and machine-gunning groups of refugees. Increased efforts are being made to prevent HAEJU from serving as the refugee terminus for the two PYONGYANG provinces and western HWANGHAE-DO. The informant decided against crossing the border by any of the established routes as being too risky and settled on a plan to escape along the tidal flats on the edge of the sea. Even though this avenue is increasing popularity, he had no luck in this attempt because of the border patrol. Returning to HAEJU, he bought passage on a fishing boat for 10,000 yen and travelled south under a pile of fishing nets. COMMENT: This shift in the Russian policy on refugees may be construed as an additional manifestation of the political and economic unrest existing in the northern zone and a forceful Soviet attempt to keep it at least within the geographic limits of that area. The Soviets probably reason that the Koreans, long accustomed to the yoke of oppression under the Japanese, will soon be completely subjected to their new masters and will abandon further attempts at resistance - in preference to starvation. b. Three American Soldiers Held by Soviets The alarming rate with which incidents on the 38th Parallel have been increasing in recent weeks tends to create a situation which might possibly lead to an occurrence from which neither the Americans nor the Soviets could withdraw. More recently overt acts upon the part of the North Korean Constabulary, Police and Soviet troops have encompassed pillage, abduction, murder and the unlawful holding of three American soldiers since 12 August 1947. The ensuing correspondence from General HODGE to the Soviet Commander, has produced little result, if any, due to the prescribed Russian policy of remaining silent or elusive, whenever their position cannot be defended. The soldiers held by the Russians were on a routine wire patrol along the telephone line between SEOUL and PYONGYANG on 12 August near Secret DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 11 Secret XXXV CORPS G-2 WS #101 YOHYON-NI (940-1690). They are accused of having crossed the 38th Parallel with the alleged (by the Russians) intention of photographing Soviet military installations. While no Soviet report on the incident has been forthcoming, a South Korean Police report claims that the Americans were abducted by the Soviets. Requests initiated by the American Command for the release of the men have been fruitless. Up to 21 August no official word had been received from the Soviet Command as to the reasons for the detention of the soldiers. The Soviet Liaison Officer in SEOUL states that an investigation is under way by his headquarters in PYONGYANG, to substantiate the earlier Soviet conclusion that the American soldiers were deliberately sent on a mission to secure pictures of Russian military installations north of the Parallel. This conception of the incident is of course false. The American Liaison Officer enroute to PYONGYANG on 13 August, saw the three soldiers standing near Russian Headquarters in TOCHON-NI, when his train stopped at the Control Point there. His efforts to ascertain the reason for the presence of the Americans brought no result when he questioned a Russian Captain who boarded the train. The Soviet officer was haughty, discourteous and rude and would answer no questions regarding the American soldiers who could be plainly seen. COMMENT: The continued and unnecessarily prolonged detention of the three soldiers can accomplish nothing for the Soviets but the convincing argument that they cannot and will not recognize the basic concepts of international law nor will they afford a minimum of courtesy to a friendly nation. The fact that these U.S. soldiers inadvertently crossed the parallel in broad daylight and in full uniform negates the Russian contention that they were on an espionage mission of any type. 6. COMMENTS ON THE POLITICAL SITUATION a. Interim Legislature Assembly At the 127th Session of KILA, National Food Regulation No. 6 (See W/S #98, par 6a and W/S #100, par 6a) got on the floor for discussion. Its last referral to committee was for the express purpose of preparing the basic principles in an abbreviated form. For some unknown reason the Committees brought forth a lengthy draft that elicited considerable adverse opinion from the house. Stated opposition was expressed to the practice of making ordinances and regulations in the Assembly on the ground that basic principles only should be drafted - the details to be worked out by the administrative branch of the Government. A motion to accept the first reading was rejected but a motion to accept National Food Regulation No. 6 by voting on each article was accepted. This motion also called for the distinct proposal that the Assembly should prepare abbreviated drafts on future rice collection regulations, leaving the details to the judgement of the more experienced Office of the National Food Administration. The 128th session opened with the reading of a letter from General LERCH requesting careful consideration of the points raised by General HELMICK (See W/S #99, par 6a and 6d) regarding the recently-enacted franchise law, and its return for signature. Also read was a letter from General HELMICK proposing that Section 4 of Ordinance 88 "Licensing of Newspapers and other Periodicals" be amended, so as to provide additional grounds for the suspension or revocation of licenses. However there was neither comment nor action on the matter during this session. DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 13 Secret Secret XXIV CORPS G-2 WS #101 Next on the floor was a report on the "reconsideration of the franchise law" which had initially been requested by General HELMICK. Following considerable explanation, the report was accepted by a vote of forty seven to zero, with thirteen abstaining. This report amended only one paragraph which is under Chapter I, Section 2 A (3). The words "one or more years of" are to be inserted before "prison sentences" and the word "three" replaces the word "five". This paragraph now reads as follows: "Persons who have served one or more years of a prison sentence; provided however that if three or more years have elapsed since the completion of a sentence, or since the release from suspended sentence, or if the sentence was imposed for a political offense, the person concerned will not be included in this category". Reduction of the age limit; qualification of the term "political offense"; insertion of a provision which will establish guilt of persons classified as "traitors, collaborators, or profiteers"; addition of a provision to prove malicious action of persons who served in civilian and police positions under the Japanese Government; revision of a proviso which stipulates that persons emigrating from North KOREA may elect someone from the north; the installation of a method for citizens who are unable to read and write; revision of that portion of a provision which states "the Supreme Court shall give priority to election cases"; as clearly set out in General HELMICK's letter of recommendations (See W/S #99, par 6a and 6c), and the reasons for such thoroughly explained, were rejected by the Assembly. The remainder of this session was spent in a lengthy discussion of the title for the second revision of National Food Regulation No. 6. Final agreement was reached on the title "Rice Collection Law". Some deliberation followed on the Assembly's decision to provide only the basic principles of rice collection regulations. During the 129th Session of KILA a report was made by one of the members, Mr. TAK, Chang Hyok, concerning his unwarranted arrest by the police on 12 August. Although detained for thirteen hours and treated with respect, approximately thirty books on Communism were removed from his house which were not returned. A heated discussion by leftist members followed and it was sometime before order was restored by the Vice-speaker. Attention was then turned to the "Rice Collection Law" and following a motion to omit the first reading and the statutory two-day interval between readings, the second reading of the law commenced. The following sections were acted upon during this session and accepted: Section I: The purpose of this law is to collect rice in order to ration it to the non-farmers, thereby guaranteeing food to the nation. Section II: Persons who come within the following categories are obligated to ship rice to the government: (1) Land-owner - The tenant-farmer is responsible for the shipment of the landowner's share of rice to the government. (2) Farmers who own their land, in excess of three tanbo. (3) Tenant-farmers who cultivate more than five tanbo of rice land. (NOTE: One tanbo is equal to 300 Pyung, and there are approximately 1,200 Pyung to one acre.) 13 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 Secret Secret XXIV CORPS G-2 WS#101 Secret The 130th session of KILA was highlighted by the report of Mr. SIN, Ki On (Leftist) that terrorists had broken into his house during the night of 13 August and severely beat a friend's wife (sic), but he (Mr. SIN) had managed to escape injury. A short but undecisive discussion followed. At 1100 hours, Major General LERCH addressed the Assembly, congratulating them on their past efforts and outlining the Appropriations Act to be brought up in the next U.S. Congress, which will provide appropriations for fertilizer, medicine and education in KOREA. He informed the Assembly that the forthcoming visit of General WEDEMEYER to KOREA was of an economic rather than political nature. Following a reiteration by the General that it was still AMERICA's objective to establish a free, united and independent KOREA, he departed after having received an enthusiastic ovation. There continued the second reading of the "Rice Collection Law". The following proviso was added to sub-paragraph (3) of Section 2: Section II: (3) continued However, any farmer who cultivates rented land, in addition to his own land, will be excused from his obligation to the government, as provided for in this sub-paragraph and sub-paragraph (2) only after the total number of cultivated tanbo land has been decided upon. (4) Those engaged by the New KOREA Company. Farmers, who own their own land, and tenantfarmers shall ship to the government the landowners' share of rice regardless of the number of tanbes of land cultivated. Each land-owner shall report the amount of rice harvested and also his alloted portion to the nyon (township) head where the land is located. The tenant-farmer shall donate (or ship) to the government any rice that may accumulate through the difference between the estimated share to the land-owner and the actual or legal amount harvested. All of these paragraphs and sub-paragraphs were accepted or concluded further action of KILA within the period, the next session being scheduled for 180900 August. b. Joint Commission Pauses Pending Soviet Instruction Re MARSHALL Letter Only one session of the Joint Commission was held (the 53rd on 12 August) prior to the local release on 14 August of the MARSHALL letter to MOLOTOV requesting the submission of a report by the Commission as to the status of their deliberations. (See Inclosure #3). This letter indicates the concern of the UNITED STATES Government over the apparent failure of the Commission to reach agreement, thus delaying the fulfillment of the hopes of the Korean people for independence. The purpose of such a report will be to enable each government to consider what further steps may be usefully taken to achieve the aims of the MOSCOW Decision. By the end of the period, no Soviet instructions had been forthcoming from MOSCOW, and, the Soviet Delegation refused to meet for a discussion on the preparation of this joint report. Thus, the American Delegation had no other alternative than to proceed with the composition of a unilateral report, hoping that the Soviet would be instructed to cooperate in time to enable fulfillment of the deadline - 21 August. DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 14 Secret Secret XXIV CORPS G-3 WS #101 The one session of the Commission which was held, the 53rd, brought forth a new American proposal, through which, it was hoped, the present stalemate over consultation could be eliminated. The terms of this proposal were as follows: 1. (Individual) oral consultations shall be dispensed with and the questionnaires submitted by Korean political parties and social organizations shall be accepted as consultation under the MOSCOW Agreement. 2. Directive to be issued to Subcommission No. 2 to complete and present to the Joint Commission a provisional charter and political platform for the Provisional Korean Democratic Government. This charter to specify which offices are appointive and which are elective. 3. The Joint Commission shall in the Charter proposed to the Four Powers include a provision for an immediate general election to elect a national legislature and such other individuals of the government as the charter may specify, which election shall be held with free electioneering, secret and multi-party ballots, under international supervision. That Subcommission No. 2 be directed to prepare detailed plans for such a general election in North and South KOREA to be presented to the Four Powers with the proposed charter. 4. That Subcommission No. 3 be directed to prepare a plan for the selection of appointive personnel for the Provisional Korean Democratic Government together with a plan for the integration of the existing governmental functions of North and South KOREA". General BROWN expressed the feeling that the opinion of the Korean people could be expressed through a general election, even though it seemed apparent that they could not be obtained through oral consultation. In answer to questions of General SHTIKOV, General BROWN stated that his proposal did not prevent the establishment of a consultative body of Korean representatives, as agreed upon in Joint Commission Decision No. 12. He also said that the weight to be given to the answers appearing in different parties' questionnaires would have to be determined by the Commission at a later date. Proposal No. 3 apparently caused the Chief Soviet Commissioner considerable concern for he wanted a positive answer on whether the government would thus be created by the Joint Commission in consulting with representatives of Korean parties, or would it be created by the to-be-elected legislative body? Putting the question another way, General SHTIKOV asked, What will be first created, the legislative body or the provisional government?" In answer to this, General BROWN said, "The legislative assembly is a part of the provisional government. Whether the Joint Commission decisions will later specify that the legislative assembly, after its authorization, shall elect certain specified individuals of the government is a matter for study and recommendations by Subcommission No. 3, and not a matter for statement by the Chief Commissioner of the American Delegation".. The Soviet views on this proposal were to be rendered at the next session. COMMENT: There appears little likelihood that the Soviets will accept this American proposal, at least insofar as it is understood by the American Delegation. Should they accept, however, it could be expected that they would make an issue over giving any weight to the questionnaires of the groups they presently desire to eliminate from consultation. It would almost be expecting too much to believe that in establishing a consultative body (as distinguished from the present issue over "individual oral" consultation), the Soviets would permit representation by any member of the Anti-Trusteeship Committee. Too, the plodding, bickering Soviet Delegation seems pretty far away from reaching an immediate decision on holding a general election to DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 15 Secret Secret XIV CORPS G-2 US#101 select members of a legislative assembly. In fact, there is no present indication that the Soviets desire to choose leading governmental personnel through any election. Their ultimate decision here will certainly depend on their estimate of the support the left wing candidates could be expected to receive in an election. Unilateral Press Statements Issued by Chief Commissioners On 14 August, each Chief Commissioner held a press conference calculated to reveal the inertia of the Joint Commission, and to affix the responsibility for this state of affairs. General SHTIKOV had the advantage of placing the blame on two sources -- the Americans and the reactionary Koreans. SHTIKOV asked the questions and gave his own specious answers, although not satisfactory logic, eminently acceptable to fellow-travelers. "Why (do) some active members and parties of South KOREA oppose the MOSCOW Decision? Is it because as the American Delegation insists, the Korean fear the establishment of such a form of trusteeship over KOREA, as applied by JAPAN? As it is known, (the Four Powers) participate in this decision. Therefore, such a form of trusteeship, as was applied by JAPAN, cannot take place. Evidently, this is not the essence of the matter ....We know that the opposition against trusteeship was organized by the so-called 'leaders' without any basis for power in KOREA. It is obvious, that they were the individuals, who did not like the decision on KOREA made by the Allies, that KOREA will become a democratic government, and that in KOREA, the people shall participate in governing their State. The 'Leaders' of these parties and their followers distorted with premeditation the spirit of the MOSCOW Decision in their mercenary pursuits". Other statements extend this attack on the Anti-Trusteeship groups, doubtlessly in the attempt to isolate these organizations from the majority of the people who have presently the single choice of independence through the MOSCOW Decision. General SHTIKOV could not let the 09 August "Freedom of Expression" press statement of General BROWN (W/S #100, par 6b) go unchallenged. "The Soviet Delegation feels that the policies of the Soviet Command in North KOREA showed with sufficient clarity that the Soviet side stands for freedom of expression of opinion not only in words but in deeds". In perfect Korean jumbo, General SHTIKOV says, "The Soviet Delegation deems it necessary to emphasize once more, that the three conditions for consultation, upon which the two Ministers of Foreign Affairs agreed, do not contradict the freedom of expression of opinion, and thus, the reference of the American Delegation to freedom of expression of opinion has no connection with this particular matter". These words, of course, bear no relation to the issue of freedom of expression. It is not these formal agreements which attempt to restrict expression, it is the Soviet Delegation. General BROWN in his press conference analyzed the position of the Soviet Delegation, listing, and refuting the three Soviet contentions: 1) That these twenty-four parties are members of the Anti-Trusteeship Committee; 2) That the Anti-Trusteeship Committee is engaged in fomenting and instigating active opposition to the MOSCOW Decision; 3) That the twenty-four parties bear responsibility for an Anti-Trusteeship Committee demonstration on 23 June. The contentions are used by the Soviet Delegation as the basis for the exclusion of these parties from consultation (and thus, participation) in the Commission. General BROWN concluded his statement, "The American Delegation believes that all shades of public opinion among the Korean population which have applied for consultation should be given a hearing.....However, if the right(wing) is arbitrarily eliminated, a proper balance is restored only by arbitrary elimination of the extreme left also. Should both of these groups be eliminated, two of the largest segments of the people would have no voice in consultation". COMMENT: Since nearly two months have passed without any semblance of progress on the part of the Joint Commission, it is becoming increasingly clear that some other steps will have to be taken, either to carry out the spirit of the MOSCOW Decision, or to provide a new basis for the granting of independence to KOREA. This is hinted in the General MARSHALL letter (see Incl. #3). The Soviets must realize that further delay in the Joint Commission DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 16 Secret Secret XXIV CORPS G-2 WS #101 can only bring its demise, which may be acceptable to them for their fellowtravellers in South KOREA will place the blame on the Americans, and Soviet control of North Korean propaganda will make this all the easier in that zone. The unrest which would follow the adjournment of the Commission, unless an attractive American plan for South KOREA would interest the people, would accrue to the benefit of the Communists who prosper in times of stress. Success here, however, would be immeasurably lessened, if not eliminated completely, should the UNITED STATES take the leadership in submitting the Korean problem to the UNITED NATIONS ORGANIZATION. Since UNO meets in September, it may be the Soviet policy to use every means to keep the Commission in session until it is too late to have the Korean question included on the UNO agenda. c. Further Meetings of the Representatives of the Korean People (ERW) The Representatives of the Korean People convened on 11 August and licked their wounds after their unsuccessful attempt toward organizational strength in joining forces with the NATIONAL CONGRESS (See W/S #100, par 6c). Nevertheless their plan of agitating for a general election received stimulus within the period by the action of the Interim Legislative Assembly in its refusal to accept General HELMICK's recommendations to amend the election law (see par 6a). The Representatives obviously considered their protests against changing this law as successful. After the noticeable absence of about forty members was mentioned, attention turned to the ever present question of the general election. The problem of campaign expenses and how to raise funds was brought up with considerable bickering and finally referred to committee action. Also mentioned were the total expenses for the current series of meetings which have amounted thus far to 200,000 yen. It appeared that a number of delegates have failed to contribute their assessment, indicating the existence of financial difficulties within the organization. After a short discussion, it was decided to have a welcoming party for General WEDEMEYER when he comes to KOREA. It was announced that the Representatives wish to show the General that the Koreans are longing for independence and also that they wish to make a favorable impression on the General. The morning session ended with a prayer for the rightist young man who had been killed by left wing terrorists while he was guarding Dr. RHEE's house on 09 August 47. A condolence collection was taken, which amounted to 7,100 yen, to be sent to the family of the deceased. The afternoon session opened with the announcement that the forty absent members had all joined the NATIONAL CONGRESS, thus shifting from the Representatives. Throughout the remainder of the session discussion centered around general election committees, measures and counter measures but no specific conclusions were reached. Significantly one delegate voiced a fear that his constituents back home would be very unhappy over the total lack of results accomplished since the Representatives started their meetings in July. The meeting closed without further action, apparently sadly disappointed in Dr. RHEE's failure to make a scheduled appearance. No reason was given for the Doctor's action or lack of it. The previous day however, RHEE had made a number of significant statements at the formation meeting of the KOREAN NEWSMAN'S ASSOCIATION. He insisted on a general election in accordance with the desires of the Korean people stating in part that if South KOREA could not gain her independence than at least, KYONGSANG province must obtain it. Participation in UN was stressed as a means of determining the withdrawal of American and Soviet forces from KOREA. DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 17 Secret Secret XXIV CORPS G-2 WS #101 The meeting of the Representatives held on 12 August was the last in the second series, a recess being called so that the delegates might return to their homes for the 15 August activities in celebrating Liberation Day. The session opened with the reading of the regulations concerning the action to be taken in the coming election, and were passed article by article. These rules are intended to provide for committees to handle candidate nominations, the hindering of rival candidates, and in general to insure the success of the right wing in the election. Dr. RHEE arrived shortly thereafter and in a tone of hopefulness began his speech stating that current conditions in KOREA favor the success of the right wing. He warned that everything is up to the people; their union being of paramount importance as always. Unless the people do unite, the present favorable situation will be of no avail. RHEE expressed regret that the Representatives had not merged with the CONGRESS, going on to say that they (the Representatives) must now work toward the election. Through this election he said, the Korean people can establish their own government by the opinion of the people, and not that of "foreign powers". RHEE told of a talk with General LERCH, who RHEE claimed, "wants to bring about the election in a short time and who is willing to adopt the election law without revision if the Legislature does not speed its passage". The Doctor continued by repeating the general impression that Koreans can not establish a democratic government because they have not had any experience at governing for the past forty years. He answered this by stating that if they can build up their democracy by themselves, the world will receive a great shock. With regard to the election, he told the delegates to choose qualified persons, regardless of sex or party connections. He pointed out that the living conditions in KOREA are getting worse all the time and when winter comes there will be suffering among the poor people. Due to this fact, they should form a government as soon as possible and save the poor from tragedy. RHEE went on to say that the Representatives are gathered to make preparations for the general election, with the foremost task of overcoming the left wing. There was a feeling elation among the delegates when he announced the present willingness of the left to settle for even thirty percent of the Cabinet members. Furthermore he called upon them to preach the "gospel" to the leftists in order to change their political thoughts. It was then decided to make up a fund of 300,000 yen to be spent on the celebration of WEDEMEYER's visit. RHEE had asked the delegates to welcome and assist WEDEMEYER. Action followed with an announcement by the Financial Committee that a fund of 950,000 yen would be necessary to maintain the organization through the end of the year. An immediate reaction took place in the form of a query as to where such a sum was to be obtained. However, a decision to let the Standing Committee plan the solicitation brought the discussion to a close. Considerable applause greeted the report of the police raid of 12 August on the Communist leaders and organization headquarters in South KOREA. The meeting was thus closed with the accompanying announcement that the Representatives will again convene on 23 August. COMMENT: RHEE maintains his recently advocated plan of cooperating with the American command. Just how long he will continue to do so depends on the early realization of his aspirations and hopes in a general election. He is taking every step carefully at the moment, playing the part of the astute politician. His recent failure in consolidating right wing strength 18 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 Secret SECRET XXIV CORPS G-2 WS #101 behind him in the abortive effort to mold the Representatives and the CONGRESS into a single party is just another marker along the road to an eventual split with KIM, Koo. RHEE is not big enough to rally the KIM, Koo forces in a show of strength by subjecting his differences with the CHUNGKING group. It cannot be precluded as a possibility that a general election night see the thing all political parties fear - a split within their own ranks and a possible defeat because of it. Nevertheless RHEE recently capitalized on the U.S. State Department announcement that General HODGE is pursuing American policy fully and completely in KOREA. According to RHEE the American Commander never has followed the dictates of WASHINGTON, but now that the State Department has announced that he is doing so, the Doctor pronounced AMERICA as KOREA's only true friend. According to RHEE, RHEE is now vindicated by implication. In line with the concern registered by the Representatives over the raising of organizational funds, it is appropriate to note the activities of the parent organization, the NATIONAL SOCIETY FOR THE ACCELERATION OF KOREAN INDEPENDENCE, in raising "contributions". Propagandizing that in the formation of a separate South Korean Government, the NATIONAL SOCIETY would be in power, forms for the solicitation of funds were sent to various citizens, each individual being told what he should contribute. This was in accordance with the individual's wealth and property taxes paid, and ranged from 10,000 to 130,000 yen. These forms were signed by the Gun "governor", the Police Chief and the Chairman of the NATIONAL SOCIETY giving the people the belief that the solicitation was supported by Military Government. (CIC investigation reveals that this practised extortion has been highly successful in some areas). JOHN N. ROBINSON [illegible] Colonel, GSC AC of S, G-2 G-L Inclosures: 1- Illegal Activities 2- Chronological Events 3- MARSHALL letter to MOLOTOV NOTE: This report is prepared not only for higher headquarters but also for the purpose of disseminating to interested subordinate agencies such intelligence as will be of assistance in performing their missions. Although this is for use of authorized personnel only, it must of necessity be classified as "secret" and the provisions of AR 380-5 will be observed in regard to both the document and contents. Under provisions of par 33a (1), AR 380-5, 15 Aug. 45, authority is hereby granted for destruction of this document after it has served it's purpose and is of no further value to the receiving agency. This authority is extended to cover destruction of previous issues of this publication in accordance with the foregoing instructions. 19 Secret DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 Confidential HEADQUARTERS XXIV CORPS Office of the G-2 21 August 1947 ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES The summary of civil disturbances, attacks on US troops, cases of illegal bearing of arms, and of unauthorized shipping reported during the period of 10 August to 17 August is given below: YOHYON NI 38° MANSONG NI KANGNUNG SEOUL INCH'ON CHONGJU KOCHUNG DONG ANUI TAEGU FUSAN DOCHENG NI [illegible] RK MANSURI BAUM BUK NAUN YOSU NO. REPORTED INJURED 60 CHEJU DO NO. REPORTED KILLED 8 TONG KWANG NI Incl. #1 to XXIV CORPS G-2 WS #101 1 Confidential DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 795070 Confidential 1. Civil Disturbances YOSUNG (Not on map) 27/28 July 47 — Ten instances of beatings were carried on by the youth element of the NATIONAL SOCIETY FOR THE ACCELERATION OF KOREAN INDEPENDENCE in the vicinity of YOSUNG. The victims were various leftists the groups managed to abduct. (CIC S/I) 1. DOCHENG NI (1140-1339( 12 August 47 — In a continuation of the 04 July PAEDUN (1137-1339) incident (See W/S 96, Incl. #1) four KWANGBOK Youth, in checking rumors that leftist participants in this 04 July incident were hiding in DOCHENG NI, were attacked by the natives and badly beaten with rocks. They escaped to PAEDUN where police were notified and a fifty man squad of KWANGBOK members returned to DOCHENG NI looking for trouble. Police reinforcements arrived in time to prevent these KWANGBOK youth and the leftist villagers from clashing. To assure peace, however, police had to arrest approximately fifty (both leftists and rightists). The temper of the leftists was aroused and a sizeable crowd attacked the Police Box at MAUM MYON. Shots fired into the air by three policemen chased off all but approximately fifty men who attacked with bamboo spears. The leader of the attackers (name unknown) was killed and one man wounded by police fire. 2. CHONGJU (1040-1530) (36°53'N-127°30'E) 4/5 August 47 — The Drama Art Association, playing in CHONGJU, has provided itself with a four hundred man leftist guard, because of fear of attacks. This guard has not been entirely effective. The guard unit has been stoned while on post, and the chairman and four members of the guard were beaten by rightists. (CIC P/R #610) 3. INCH'ON (960-1630) (37°28'N-126°33'E) 4 August 47 — Twenty unidentified persons in INCH'ON attacked four members of the KWANGBOK YOUNG MEN'S ASSOCIATION. Two were severely beaten and were hospitalized, one died the following day. The other two members escaped. (CIC P/R #610) 4. KANGHUNG (1180-1660) (37°44'N-129°54'E) 01 August 47 — War of nerves in the town of KYDONG RI where leftists and rightists banded together in their respective groups to avoid the attacks of the opposition resulted in the beating of an unidentified man, who had reached neither protective cluster. He was beaten by members of the NORTHWEST YOUNG MEN'S ASSOCIATION. (CIC P/R #610) 5. ANUI (1081-1409) 05 August 47 — The cry of "Free Rice" resulted in a riot in ANUI. Rumors had been started, apparently by leftists, that the myun master would distribute five hundred bags of rice to the people. When it was proven that the myun master had no rice, the mob left in an ugly mood. A short while later they attacked the rightist headquarters. ([illegible]th Div. P/R #658) 6. (CHONJU (1015-1432) (35°48'N-127°08'E) 06 August 47 — Two men who expected a call from members of the NORTHWEST YOUNG MEN'S ASSOCIATION had alerted their neighbors for such an emergency in CHONJU. When ten members of the NWMA went to the homes of these two men, to "arrest" them, fifty villagers armed with clubs and farm implements attacked the group, injuring two seriously. Confidential Incl. #1 to XXIV CORPS G-2 WS #101 2 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 7. YOSU (1075-1300) Confidential 27 July 47 -- When members of the rightist KWANGBOK YOUTH ALLIANCE went to YOSU to join in an unauthorized leftist demonstration they ganged up on six members of the communistic SOUTH KOREA LABOR PARTY. The number or extent of the injured is unknown as the Doctors who threated these patients were threatened by the terrorists and refused to talk. (CIC P/R #610) 8. SEOUL (1000-1640) (37°34'N-127°00'E) 07 August 47 -- Leftist terrorists, thought to be members of the outlawed CLOSUP MIN CHUNG, are reported to have attacked the Dong Sun Puk Dong branch of the NATIONAL SOCIETY FOR THE ACCELERATION OF KOREAN INDEPENDENCE. Youth of the GENERAL LEAGUE FOR ALL KOREAN STUDENTS, who serve at times as body guards for RHEE, Syng Man, assisted the police in trying to round up these leftists. A G-3 Informant reports that thirteen persons were injured when the left and right wing youth clashed. On 10 August, CIC Agents discovered the corpse of one of these injured men in the Students League's headquarters. He had died from a fractured skull. 9. SEOUL 13 August 47 -- KIM, Kook Dong, a member of the SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY, was beaten to death in SEOUL by rightist thugs. Rightist youth are also thought to be responsible for the 16 August 47 beating of another member of this "moderate left" party. Party members, represented by LYUH, Woon Hong, are afraid to be out alone on the streets of SEOUL. 10. SEOUL 15 August 47 -- Following the Liberation Day Parade, members of the NORTH WEST YOUTH ASSOCIATION gathered in front of the headquarters of the CHUN PYUNG, and started throwing rocks at the windows. Before a riot could get started, CIC and police interfered and dispersed the mob. No injuries are reported. 11. SEOUL 19 August 47 -- Thirty leftists terrorists ransacked the Han Sung Press company building in SEOUL. Several of the company's employees were injured by the attackers, and all printing matter was destroyed. (CIC P/R #612) 12. PUSAN (1200-1340) (35°06'N-129°02'E) 8 August 47 -- Thirty members of the NORTHWEST KOREAN YOUTH ASSOCIATION, following the orders of BAN, Sung When, chief of the PUSAN branch, stormed two local newspapers and were dissuaded from attacking a third because of a strong guard. The reason for the attacks was the failure of the newspapers to print accounts of the false reports of the anti-trusteeship demonstrations supposedly to have taken place in PYONGYANG at the time of the US-USSR Joint Commission session in the North Korean capital. Two employees and one policeman were hurt. The policeman's carbine was stolen by the NWKYA Youth but was later recovered. (CIC P/R #611) 13. CHEJU DO (950-1150) (33°50'N-12126°32'E) 10 August 47 -- A mob of approximately two hundred attacked a police box in HANDOK (955-1155), CHEJU DO. Two policemen were beaten and one woman was accidently shot. Reason for the riot is not known. (CIC Flash) Incl. #1 to XXIV CORPS G-2 WS #101 3 Confidential DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 미국자료 | 495 Confidential DISTURBANCES ARISING OUT OF GRAIN COLLECTION 14. BAUM BUK MYUN (1150-1315) 9 August 47 -- A mob in BAUM BUK MYUN, attacked a grain collection team of county officials and police. The police were forced to fire into the mob wounding four as they retreated to the police box in TONG DONG MYUN. The police put in a call for reinforcements, and managed to hide documents and weapons before the mob attacked the second time. The mob again attacked, entered the police box confiscated fourteen rounds of ammunition, and several uniforms. When reinforcements consisting of U.S. and police patrols arrived, the mob had dispersed. 15. TONG KWANG NI (933-1127) 8 August 47 -- Three men of a government grain collection committee were beaten by approximately fifty people in a flare-up protest against grain collection. (CIC S/I) 16. YULTAE RI (1134-1329) 02 August 47 -- The people of this town continue to refuse to turn in their grain. Gun officials and PUSAN Government officials went to YULTAE RI to collect grain and found the village deserted, so they entered the houses in order to collect the grain. There was one woman in the village at this time and she started to scream, bringing the villagers out of hiding. In little or no time, a mob had gathered, and police reinforcements were requested. Upon the arrival of the police, the mob was dispersed without incident. 17. PUSAN (1200-1340) (35°06'L-129°02'E) 7 August 47 -- In a small village of DAESON, Myun (1177-1375) the people resisted the Police and Myun officials as they attempted to collect grain. The police arrested ten people for questioning. Then a mob of approximately fifty gathered in front of the police box, and before police could disperse them, they confiscated five rifles and twenty-eight rounds of ammunition. 18. KAMSURI (1143-1333) 7 August 48 -- Members of a grain collection party were surrounded and beaten by three hundred men armed with bamboo spears, near KAMSURI. The farmers were excited and agitated by leftists. (6th Div. P/R #661) 19. KOCHUNG DONG (four kilometers east of KOJE (1159-1315) 8 August 47 -- Fifty people surrounded grain collection officials and threatened to attack them in KOCHUNG DONG. The officials managed to talk the crowd into dispersing without violence. (6th Div. P/R #654) BORDER INCIDENTS 20. YOHYOK-NI (940-1690) 12 August 47 -- Three American soldiers on wire patrol were accused of having crossed the 38th parallel, and were taken into custody by Russian forces. These men were working along the direct telephone line between SEOUL and PYONGYANG. The Russians next claimed that these men were taking pictures of military installations north of the parallel. (7th Div. Incl. #1 to XXIV CORPS G-2 WS #101 4 Confidential DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 Confidential According to a reliable report three deliberate abducteds of legal citizens of South KOREA by Soviet controlled North KOREAN SECURITY FORCES have occurred along the border in the area of MANSONG NI (896.1-1696.8) KURMOL (889.8-1695.9) - HYONGSONG LI (900-1696); The following incidents in sequence are: 20 a MANSONG NI (896.1-1696.8) 09 July 47 - Four South Korean Policemen were abducted by NKC. 20b KURMOL (889.8-1695.9) 07 August 47 - Three KOREAN NATIONAL YOUTH members were seized by about fifty North Koreans, including North Korean police, at KURMOL about three hundred meters south of the 38th Parallel. These men had come out of the village to determine why this crowd had gathered and were firing shots. They were taken north of the Parallel. 20c HYONGSONG LI (900-1696) 10 August 47 - A resident, KIM Sang Li, was brought north of the Parallel by members of the NORTH KOREAN SECURITY FORCE. In this vicinity a Russian soldier was killed by Koreans on 02 August, and a South Korean citizen was killed by North KOREAN CONSTABULARY, on 27 June. 2. Attacks on American Troops 21. SEOUL (1000-1640) (37°34'N-127°00'E) 11 August 47 - A group of twenty to forty Korean refugees armed with clubs and knives attempted to attack an MP station in SEOUL, because they thought that the MP's had no ammunition for their weapons. Investigation revealed that there had been considerable agitation in the area to incite the refugees against the Americans. Investigation continues. (PM Flash Rpt) 22. TAEGU (1150-1430) (35°52'N-128°36'E) 10 August 47 - An Army guard truck was fired upon by unknown persons west of Camp Skipworth, TAEGU. There was no damage or injury. No trace of the person who might have fired the shot was found, when the area was searched. (6th Div. Flash) 23. CHONGJU (1040-1531) (36°30'N-127°30'E) 5 August 47 - A soldier driver as he attempted to pass the leftist DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S FRONT headquarters was stopped by a road block in front of the headquarters in CHONGJU. Approximately two hundred and fifty leftist attempted to take the jeep from the soldier. Korean police interfered and dispersed the crowd before any damage or injury was done. (7th Div. P/R 185) 3. Illegal Possession of Arms 24. SEOUL 10 August 47 - The office of the ALL KOREAN STUDENTS ALLIANCE (ERW) was raided as a result of information stating that there were weapons there. This raid netted two hand grenades (US), but no pistols were found. 4. Unauthorized Shipping 17 July 47 - (a delayed report) The JUMATO MARU (12 ton) was apprehended at NISHINOURA JAPAN, with sixty-four illegal Korean entrants to JAPAN. The fifty-eight passengers and the crew will be deported. (8th Army P/R #626) Incl. #1 to XXIV CORPS G-2 WS #101 5 Confidential DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 Confidential The EIFUKU MARU was apprehended at KOKURA , JAPAN when it attempted to sail for KOREA with six illegal passengers (Koreans). The vessel had previously discharged twenty-four Koreans attempting illegal entry. Six of these have been apprehended. (8th Army P/R #628) 22 July 47 - With thirty illegal Korean passengers and a crew of three Koreans, including the captain, the TAKAYISHI MARU landed at KOKURA FUKUOKA prefecture. Six Koreans were subsequently captured and will be deported to KOREA. The vessel escaped after discharging its passengers and has not as yet been apprehended. (8th Army P/R # 628) The SHOEI MARU was recently apprehended at TOMITSU (1311-1010) KUMAMOTO prefecture with five Korean passengers. Ship was owned by a Korean passenger who was attempting to take his family to JAPAN. He and his family were apprehended but the chief engineer escaped. (8th Army P/R #664) 28 July 47 - An unknown nine ton ship landed at TOBATA (1388-1206) FUKUOKA prefecture with twenty Korean passengers and a crew of five Koreans including the captain of the vessel. Ship and crew left port after discharging twenty Koreans. The ship and crew are still at large, but thirteen of the Korean passengers have been apprehended. (8th Army P/R #628) Confidential Incl. #1 to XXIV CORPS G-2 WS #101 6 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070