주한미육군사령부 정보참모부 주간요약보고

PART I SOUTH KOREA Secret From: 211200/I May 48 To : 281200/I May 48 Headquarters, USAFIK Seoul, Korea 28 May 1948 No. 141 Maps: KOREA, 1/250,000 East ASIA, 1/1,000,000 A. ARMED FORCES 1. Strength (Secret) Police: 34,900 Constabulary:41,265 (including 10,109 recruits) Coast Guard: 2,911 (including 132 cadets ) 2. Operational Activity (Confidential) a. Border Incidents Ten border incidents were reported this week; three were delayed reports. Three incidents this week and two covered by delayed reports occurred in KWANGHAE DO and probably stem from attacks and counter attacks near the irrigation dam near OE-DONG (837-1698). Control of this dam, which has been a bone of contention since 27 April, has caused at least two previous gun battles between South Korean police and the North Korean constabulary. It is believed that the soldiery on both sides of the parallel in this area have clashed so often that they are trigger-happy. On 16 May North Koreans attempted to blow up the dam mentioned above. This resulted in a fire fight with South Korean police who investigated. No casualties were reported. Also on this date 5 North Korean constabularymen and 13 North Korean Self Guardsmen kidnapped a South Korean from SUTAE-RI (847-1698). On 19 May South Korean police patrolling near the irrigation dam (837-1698) were fired upon by North Korean Constabularymen. One policeman was wounded. On 22 May the NKC violated the parallel at two points. The police box near (917-1694) was attacked, captured and burned. One policeman was wounded, and clothing and ammunition was stolen. In the other incident on this day the village of YULMOH-NI (1089-1696) was raided and five villagers wounded. On 23 May the police box in NUL MOK (971-1695) was attacked by NKC. No casualties were reported. On 26 May, near the irrigation dam ( 837-1698), a party of three American civilians and three policemen were fired upon by NKC. One American was wounded. Also on this date NKC attacked the CHUNG KOK (918-1696) police station. The results of this attack are not yet available. On 27 May the police box near (942-1695) was raided by the NKC. Two NKC and two civilians were killed, and one civilian was wounded. On 28 May the police box at CHANG NI (1158-1697) was attacked by NKC. One policeman was wounded and one is missing. 3 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S #141 PART I COMMENT: The number of incidents involving North Korean Constabulary occurring this week (seven), is the greatest for several months. Beginning with the week ending 23 April; when there was one, the number of incidents per week has been 30 April; four; 07 May, three; 14 May, five; 21 May, six. b. Constabulary Action on CHEJU DO The Constabulary on CHEJU DO are isolating small areas in the hills of the island, apprehending and detaining suspicious persons for screening by U.S. and Korean intelligence teams. On 23 May 432 persons were being held for questioning, but screening is being completed rapidly. One person questioned is reported to be a member of the NORTH KOREA LABOR PARTY. Forty-one members of the 9th Regiment, which was recruited on the island, deserted 21 May. Twenty were recaptured on 22 May. COMMENT: This regiment is considered by some observers to be unreliable in that many of its members seem to be in sympathy with the raiders in the hills. Though from a short-range view its removal may seem desirable, a long-range view is that whatever Communists there are in the regiment will probably identify themselves by deserting, and the personnel remaining can be considered dependable in the future. 4 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S #141 PART I B. CURRENT INTELLIGENCE 1. Political Activity a. The National Assembly The following data were contained in the National Election Committee report to the Military Governor on the 10 May elections: ELECTED CANDIDATES' NATIONAL ELECTION COMMITTEE DECLARED PARTY AFFILIATIONS ESTIMATES OF VOTING STRENGTH HANKOOK DEMOCRATIC PARTY 28 HANKOOK DEMOCRATIC PARTY 76 NSAKI 55 NSAKI 61 KOREAN INDEPENDENCE PARTY 1 KOREAN INDEPENDENCE PARTY 17 UNITED YOUNG MEN'S PARTY 12 UNITED YOUNG MEN'S PARTY 16 KOREAN NATIONAL YOUTH CORPS 6 KOREAN NATIONAL YOUTH CORPS 10 CHOSUN DEMOCRATIC PARTY 1 CHOSUN DEMOCRATIC PARTY 0 MINOR PARTIES 10 MODERATES 10 1/ NON-PARTISAN 85 MISCELLANEOUS 10 198 2/ NON-PARTISAN 0 200 3/ 1/ Includes three former Communists. 2/ Two candidates will be elected in a supplemental election on 23 June in the two northern districts of CHEJU-DO. 3/ Estimated before the CHEJU-DO elections were voided. ALPHABETIZED LIST OF ELECTED CANDIDATES (asterisk denotes former members of KILA) Abbreviations used to denote party affiliations: NSAKI -- National Society for Acceleration of . -- Korean Independence HDP -- Hankook Democratic Party CDP -- Chosun Democratic Party KNYC -- Korean National Youth Corps KIP -- Korean Independence Party UYMP -- United Young Men's Party Name Declared Party Affiliation Age Province AN Choon Sang KNYC 50 KYONGSANG NAMDO BAI, Choon Hyawk UYMP 28 KYONGSANG PUKTO BAI, Hoon None 53 CHOLLA PUKTO BAIK, Hyawng Nam UYMP 34 CHOLLA PUKTO BAIK Han Chae * HDP 63 KYONGSANG PUKTO BAIK Kwan Soo * HDP 60 CHOLLA PUKTO BAK Chan Hyawn None 32 KYONGSANG NAMDO BAK Chawng Hwan NSAKI 40 KYONGSANG PUKTO BAK Chawng Nam None 33 CHOLLA NAMDO BAK Choon None 44 KYONGSANG PUKTO BAK Chawng None 33 KYONGSANG PUKTO BAK Kook Hai None 65 KYONGSANG NAMDO BAK Wawn Ki None 37 CHUNGCHONG PUKTO BAK Oo Kyawng None 54 CHUNGCHONG PUKTO BAK Yoong Sang HDP 31 KYONGSANG PUKTO BAK Sawk Soon None 45 KYONGSANG PUKTO BAK Won Yoon None 40 KYONGSANG NAMDO CHNG Byawng Man NSAKI 49 KYONGSANG PUKTO CHANG Bong Dan HDP 39 CHOLLA NAMDO 5 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND745070 XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S #141 PART I Declared Name Party Affiliation Age Province KIM Kyoo Hyawn None 60 CHUNGCHONG PUKTO KIM Moon Pyong NSAKI 43 CHOLLA NANDO KIM Myawng Dong None 46 CHUNGCHONG NANDO KIM Myawng In None 33 KANGWON DO KIM O Saw NSAKI 43 CHUNGCHONG NANDO KIM Ok Choo None 33 CHOLLA NANDO KIM Sang Don None 48 SEOUL KIM Sang Duk * Min Tong 56 KYONGSANG PUKTO KIM Sang Ho HDP 47 CHOLLA NANDO KIM Sang Soon NSAKI 48 CHOLLA NANDO KIM Soo Sawn None 38 KYONGSANG NANDO KIM Tai Soo NSAKI 44 KYONGSANG NANDO KIM Wawng Kwon None 51 KYONGGI DO KIM Woo Sik Chun Do Dai 59 KYONGSANG PUKTO KIM Yak Soo* Korea Republic 59 KYONGSANG NANDO KIM Yong Hyawn HDP 35 CHOLLA NANDO KIM Yong Jai NSAKI 37 CHUNGCHONG NANDO KIM Young Dong None 42 CHOLLA PUKTO KIM Young Ki NSAKI 44 KYONGGI DO KWAK Sang Hoon None 53 KYONGGI DO KWAN Byawng Lo NSAKI 46 KYONGSANG PUKTO KWAN Tae Ki None 42 KYONGSANG PUKTO KWAN Tai Yoo None 29 KYONGSANG NANDO KYOO Chawng Hai None 51 KYONGSANG NANDO LA Yong Kyun HDP 50 CHOLLA PUKTO LEE Bun Kyoo NSAKI 61 KYONGSANG PUKTO LEE Byawn Kwan None 41 KYONGSANG PUKTO LEE Byawng Kook NSAKI 67 CHUNGCHONG NANDO LEE Chai Hak None 45 KANGWON DO LEE Chai Young None 35 KYONGGI DO LEE Chawng Ki KNYC 34 CHOLLA PUKTO LEE Chawng Kun NSAKI 41 CHUNGCHONG NANDO LEE Chang Lae HDP 50 CHOLLA NANDO LEE Chawng Lin None 66 CHUNGCHONG NANDO LEE Chawng Soon NSAKI 58 KANGWON DO LEE Chin Soo None 49 KYONGGI DO LEE Chung Chun UYMP 61 SEOUL LEE Choo Hyawng NSAKI 43 KYONGSANG NANDO LEE Dung Sang NSAKI 58 CHUNGCHONG PUKTO LEE Hung Bal None 58 CHOLLA NANDO LEE Ho Sauk None 34 KYONGSANG PUKTO LEE Hoon Koo None 33 CHUNGCHONG NANDO LO Dr. Hawn [illegible] HDP 35 CHOLLA PUKTO LEE Kang Woon None 59 KYONGSANG NANDO LEE Kyoo Soo None 36 KYONGGANG NANDO LEE Man Kown None 56 CHUNGCHONG PUKTO LEE Moon Won None 42 CHOLLA PUKTO LEE Han Kyoo* NSAKI 40 CHOLLA NANDO LEE Suk Choo* Dai Han Independence Agriculture 45 CHOLLA PUKTO LEE Sawdc [illegible] NSAKI 42 KYONGSANG PUKTO LEE Sawng Dok None 49 KYONGGI DO LEE Sawng Hak UYMP 43 CHOLLA NANDO LEE Sawng Yoo None 52 CHOLLA NANDO LEE Won Hong NSAKI 46 KYONGSANG NANDO LEE Yoo Han NSAKI 51 CHOLLA PUKTO LEE Yoo Sawn NSAKI 46 KYONGGI DO LEE Young Choon HDP 53 SEOUL LEE Yun Young CDP 59 SEOUL LIM Suk Kyoo UYMP 43 CHUNGCHONG NANDO MIN Kyawng Sik NSAKI 29 KYONGGI DO MOON Si Kwan KNYC 50 KYONGSANG NANDO NAM Gun Hyawn NSAKI 37 CHUNGCHONG NANDO 7 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S #141 PART I Declared Name Party Affiliation Age Province RHEE Syng Man NSAKI 74 SEOUL O Ki Yul None 60 CHOLLA PUKTO O Sawng Choo NSAKI 61 CHOLLA NAMDO O Taik Yawl NSAKI 45 KYONGSANG PUKTO O Taik Kwan HDP 60 KYONGGI DO O Young Kook * None 44 CHEJU DO PYO Hyawn Dai NSAKI 68 KYONGSANG NAMDO SAW Chawng Hi HDP 72 KYONGGI DO SAW Ik Hwan None 54 KYONGSANG PUKTO SAW Oo Sawk * HDP 60 CHOLLA NAMDO SAW Sang Il * HDP 63 KYONGSANG PUKTO SAW Sawng Dal NSAKI 57 KYONGGI DO SAW Soon Young None 49 KYONGSANG NAMDO SAW Yong Kil None 37 CHUNGCHONG NAMDO SAWM Nak Saw NSAKI 44 CHUNGCHONG NAMDO SIN Bang Hyawn None 57 CHUNGCHONG NAMDO SIN Hyawn Don NSAKI 46 CHOLLA PUKTO SIN Hyawn Mo HDP 55 KYONGGI DO SIN Ik Hi* NSAKI 57 KYONGGI DO SIN Kwang Keun NSAKI 52 KYONGGI DO SIN Sang Hak None 35 KYONGSANG NAMDO SIN Sawng Kyun None 42 CHOLLA PUKTO SON Chai Hak NSAKI 48 CHUNGCHONG NAMDO SON Pil Man HDP 58 CHUNGCHONG PUKTO SONG Chin Baik NSAKI 44 CHUNGCHONG NAMDO SONG Bong Hai NSAKI 61 CHOLLA NAMDO SONG Cheng Sik NSAKI 49 KYONGGI DO TCHA Kyawng Mo None 59 CHOLLA NAMDO TCHBI Bong Sawl None 44 KYONGSANG NAMDO TCHBI Bong Sik None 56 KYONGSANG NAMDO TCHBI Hyawn Kil NSAKI 48 KANGWON DO TCHBI Kook Hyawn None 50 KYONGGI DO TCHBI Kyoo Ok NSAKI 48 KANGWON DO TCHBI Sawk Hong UYMP 40 KYONGSANG PUKTO TCHBI Suk Ha None 37 KYONGGI DO TCHBI Tai Kyoo None 29 KANGWON DO TCHBI Woon Kyo None 49 CHUNGCHONG NAMDO TCHBI Yoon Dong HDP 52 KYONGSANG PUKTO WAM Young Kern NSAKI 57 KANGWON DO WON Chang Kil UYMP 37 KANGWON DO WON Yong Whan UYMP 71 KYONGGI DO YOO Chin Hong NSAKI 59 CHUNGCHONG NAMDO YOO Choon Sang NSAKI 39 CHOLLA PUKTO YOO Hong Yul None 42 CHUNGCHONG PUKTO YOO La Wan * None 60 KYONGGI DO YOO Sawng Kap Tan Min Party 39 CHOLLA NAMDO YOON Byawng Ho None 54 CHUNGCHONG PUKTO YOON Byawng Koo None 38 CHUNGCHONG NAMDO YOON Chae Uk UYMP 39 SEOUL YOON Chai Kun None 39 KYONGGI DO YOON Chi Yong HDP 51 SEOUL YOON Hong Kern (Byo) NSAKI 49 KYONGSANG PUKTO YOON Suk Koo * None 57 CHOLLA PUKTO COMMENT: The breakdown according to declared party affiliations does not reflect party strengths. The differences between the declared affiliations and the NEC estimates are attributable mainly to the fact that many of the "non-partisans" considered their chances in the election improved by registering as "independents." Based on the NEC's more realistic breakdown, it is noted that the RHEE-vs-HDP lines will be closely drawn if RHEE is able to gain control over the 16 UYMP members, who may be influenced by LEE Chong Chun, head of the UYMP, a NSAKI chairman, and poller of the largest number of votes in the election — 41,532. 8 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S #141 PART I With alignments as drawn, neither RHEE nor the HDP can muster a majority in the National Assembly without the assistance of the remaining smaller groups, which, according to the NEC, have a strength of 47 votes. If adroitly maneuvered these members could pave the way for the entrance of figures other than RHEE or prominent HANKOOKS into key government posts. For some time it has been speculated that the oldest candidate elected would preside over the meetings of the National Assembly until a presiding official is elected by that body. In a proclamation on 25 May, Lt. General HODGE announced that the "oldest member... shall preside over the meeting until such time as the National Assembly has elected a chairman and determined its own organization." Thus in two developments -neither demanding personal merit -- RHEE (1) ran without opposition and won a seat in the National Assembly and (2) gained the top post in the Assembly -- temporarily, at least -- by virtue of his age. (RHEE now gives his age as 74 but an American-Korean source in USAFIK Headquarters states that RHEE and his followers in WASHINGTON, D.C. celebrated his 74th birthday in the U.S. Capital six years ago.) With characteristic alacrity RHEE has made the best of his present advantages. He has set the wheels of his National Society to work in an effort to consolidate the strength of his own followers with that of other prominent South Korean leaders. Meetings of NSAKI chiefs in SEOUL from 22 to 24 May resulted in the reorganization of the NSAKI Central Standing Committee. This Committee, conspicuous by its latitudinous representation, is composed of 65 members, mainly loyal RHEE standbys. The Committee also includes persons who are not known to belong to the RHEE inner-circle but who apparently are willing to lend a measure of support to Dr. RHEE in return for whatever advantages may be gained from membership in the NSAKI. Among the more important members of this newly-expanded Committee are: SHIN Ik Hi, former KILA Chairman and prominent social leader; LEE Yoon Yong, Acting Chairman, CDP; LEE Chong Chun, UYHP; LEE Bum Suk, KIY; SUH Sang Chun, Korean Independence Youth Corps; CHANG, Myon, Catholic leader, formerly of KILA; KIM Bun Min, Buddhist leader, formerly of KILA; PAIK Han Hoon, Vice-chairman, HDP; SUH, Min Ho, HDP, former governor of CHOLLA NAMDO; PAK Soon Chun, female, newspaper publisher; and PAK Sung Ho, female, formerly of KILA, head of the Patriotic Women's Society. b. Community Protective Corps Ordered Dissolved On 22 May, SKIG Civil Administrator AHN Chai Hong, with the approval of Major General William F. DEAN, Military Governor, ordered the Community Protective Corps (HYANG BOH DAN) dissolved "without delay." COMMENT: The organization of the HYANG BOH DAN was authorized by SKIG on 20 April for the purpose of soliciting the aid of "deputized" persons in each community to supplement the peace preservation forces of South KOREA during the election period only. Except for a few reports of over-aggressiveness in their vigilance, the conduct of the HYANG BOH DAN was commendable. Following the election, however, pressure for the dissolution of this temporary organization emanated from all directions -- from the Communists, from the 9 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S #141 PART I extreme rightist UYMP, and from the nominally "non-political" — but known to be rightist-inclined and communist-infiltrated — KOREAN NATIONAL YOUTH CORPS. c. Communists Organize Against New Government Following their failure to disrupt the 10 May general election, South KOREA's communists have been reorganizing in an effort to unseat the elected government by terrorism of government officials and political exploitation of anti-separate-government factions headed by Rightist KIM Koo and Coalitionist KIM Kyu Sik. The source (C-3) states that the communists are careful to specify that though they will use the names of KIM Koo and KIM Kyu Sik, they will permit the dissidents no control over communist operations. Little exploitation of either KIM Koo or KIM Kyu Sik has yet been accomplished by the pro-Soviet underground in South KOREA since the two KIMS returned from the PYONGYANG conference. Both KIMs have been quiet since they publically announced — just a few hours before power from North KOREA was turned off — that they received assurances from North Korean officials that the power would not be turned off. Since mid-May a known 11 attacks, one fatal, have been made upon citizens who acted as officials in the election and an additional three attacks have been made upon both successful and unsuccessful candidates. COMMENT: It looked very doubtful this week that either KIM would publically lend his name to the communist cause. The communists will probably omit any public castigation or support of the two KIMs and adopt a course of watchful waiting until the two leaders definitely announce another tack on their political courses. 2. Civil Unrest a. A Week's Violence in South KOREA A Summary of acts of violence involving communists for the week as reported up to 281200 May is as follows: [TABLE] SEOUL | KYONGGI | KANGWON | CHUNGBUK | CHUNGNAM | KYONGBUK | KYONGNAM | CHOLLA BUK | CHOLLA NAM | PULTO | CHEOLLA | S.SIG | KYONG DO | SANG DO | CHEJU DO | FUKTO | TOTAL Attacks on towns 2 2 Attacks on police 3 1 7 11 Police killed 2 2 4 8 Communists killed 1 30 31 Rightists killed 1 1 2 7 11 Demonstrations, disorders, Arson, & attacks on rightists 2 1 6 9 Attacks on government buildings 1 1 Sabotage (communications) 1 3 2 6 Sabotage (RR lines) Sabotage (roads) Sabotage (bridges) Strikes (labor) Strikes (schools) 1 1 10 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S #141 PART I b. Delayed Reports Covering Last Week Delayed reports of incidents that occurred during the week ending 21 May which were not carried in last week's summary (see Part I, B. 5. a., W/S #140 ) are : [TABLE - columns: SEOUL, KYONGGI DO, KANGWON DO, CHUNGCHONG & PUETO, HANDO, CHOLLA, NULDO, PUETO, KYONGSANG HADO, KYONGSANG DO, CHEJU DO, TOTAL] Attacks on towns 1 1 Attacks on police 2 2 4 Police killed 1 1 Communist killed 3 3 Rightists killed 7 2 4 13 Demonstrations, disorders, arson & attacks on rightists 10 2 6 18 Attacks on government buildings Sabotage (communications) 3 2 1 6 Sabotage (RR lines) Sabotage (roads) 1 1 Sabotage(bridges) Strikes (labor) Strikes (schools) c. 1948 Communist Activities In South KOREA 1st 28 Days JAN FEB MAR APR in MAY* TOTAL Attacks on towns 0 0 0 5 72 77 Attacks on police 0 130 118 50 83 381 Police killed 0 33 20 15 32 100 Rioters killed 1 74 75 70 141 351 Non-rioters killed 1 14 14 81 134 244 Disorders, demonstrations, arson & attacks on rightist offices & homes 6 118 69 126 170 489 Attacks on government buildings 0 9 14 2 8 33 Sabotage (communications)14 53 58 32 56 213 Sabotage (RR lines) 1 12 6 0 8 27 Sabotage (RR locomotives) 0 50 0 0 24 74 Sabotage (roads) 0 13 5 2 4 24 Sabotage (bridges) 0 6 9 5 4 24 Strikes (labor) 0 14 6 3 14 37 Strikes (schools) 0 7 5 4 9 25 Attacks on registration & election booths 0 0 0 58 68 126 * Incomplete 11 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 492 제주4·3사건 추가진상조사자료집 5 XXIV CORPS G-2 V/S #141 PART I CIVIL UNREST CHART HWANGHAE-DO KANGWON-DO Ongjin Chunchon Seoul KYONGGI-DO FUKTO CHUNGCHUNGCHUNGCHONG CHUNGCHUNG HAI-DO Chongju KYONGSONG-FUKTO Taejon Chonju Taegu CHOLLA-FUKTO KYONGSONG-NANDO Kwangju Pusan CHOLLA-NANDO JAPAN SEA N SOUTH KOREA 3 15 4 2 4 3 4 3 4 CHEJU-DO O ATTACKS ON POLICE ·O RIGHTIST KILLED ← POLICE KILLED ⊕ COMMUNIST KILLED ⊕ ATTACKS ON TOWNS ⊛ SCHOOL STRIKS Ⓜ ATTACKS ON GOVT. BUILDINGS 12 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S # 141 PART I C. WAR POTENTIAL 1. South Korean Economy a. Economic Review Electric Power: Since the suspension of electrical power delivery from North KOREA on 14 May, power generation in South KOREA has been stepped up to an average of about 65,000 KW, with power output approaching 75,000 KW during peak periods. While this supply of power is adequate to meet South KOREA's most urgent requirements, it does not meet industrial needs. Many factories have been forced to halt or sharply curtail production. Power available for residential lighting is very limited; consequently, kerosene and candles are in great demand. Standard Daylight-Saving Time will be in effect in South KOREA from 2400 hours 31 May to 2400 hours 22 September. The one-hour advance in time is part of a power conservation campaign now being conducted. Wages of SKIG employees are to be increased by fifty per cent, on the average, on 01 June. This action is expected to lessen the disparity between government wage and the controlled price of rice, which, at present, is approximately 80 times the 1937 price. Actual increases will range from 130 per cent for high salaried administrators to 25 per cent for lowest paid employees. National Land Administration: During the first two months following the establishment of the NLA, on 22 March, 318,000 of the total 588,000 vested farms were sold to tenant operators. It is estimated that over 90 percent of all vested farms will be sold by 01 July. The sales program has encountered and overcome various minor difficulties, including unsuccessful communist attempts to promote buyer strikes, communist intimidation of NLA employees, and attempts of a few rightists politicians to have farms sold to their friends rather than to eligible tenant farmers. Despite such obstructionism, however, the sales program is progressing successfully. Finance: The final report on the withdrawal of Japanese-feature Bank of Chosun 100-won notes indicates that 6,681,508,000 won were exchanged for new notes, leaving a balance of approximately 534,000,000 won unredeemed. It is assumed that a large percentage of the latter amount remains in North KOREA and CHINA. At a later date this sum will be deducted from the SKIG overdraft and removed from the Bank of Chosun note circulation figure. The unadjusted circulation figure on 17 May was 28,663,255,054 won, representing an increase of almost 400,000 million won since 01 May 1948 and indicating that the seasonal decline which began in January may have run its course. Public Utility Rates: In pursuance of SKIG policy to increase charges for public services in order to cover cost of operations, telephone, telegraph and water rates were increased. Telephone rates were increased from 53 to 81 times 1937 charges and telegram rates were increased 105 times over 1937 charges. Resulting increases in revenue are expected to permit better maintenance of communications facilities, and at the same time enable the Department of Communications to balance its budget for the current fiscal year. Water rates for the City of SEOUL were increased from 35 to 80 times 1937 rates. Permanent Water Boards have been established in other cities to study water system and rates, and are authorized to increase rates up to a maximum of 80 times 1937 rates if justified by production and maintenance costs. With the adoption of these increases, rate structures of almost all major utilities will be brought into approximate line with present controlled price levels, averaging from 80 to 100 times above the level of 1937. 13 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S #141 PART I b. Cost-of-Living Cost-of-living items* in SEOUL showed a slight overall increase during the period 17-22 May. The price of rice increased approximately 120 won per small mal during the week of 22-28 May. * Cost-of-Living Items Checked (17-22 May) ± Polished rice Matches ± Flannelette ± Barley Beef Kwang-nok (cloth) Wheat Pork ± Silk myungju (cloth) ± Soybeans Eggs ± Silk sooksoo (cloth) ± Red beans ± Korean cabbage Cotton socks ± Dried myungtai (fish) - Radish Anthracite Soy sauce ± Rubber shoes Firewood ± Sugar Laundry soap Charcoal - Salt ± Increased - Decreased Rice Price Summary (Monthly Averages) Unit: Won per small mal (16.67 lbs) JAN FEB MAR APR 28 MAY SEOUL 743 746 707 655 850 KANGWON DO 791 860 772 750 CHUNGCHONG PUKTO 586 657 654 600 CHUNGCHONG NAMDO 630 662 613 576 KYONGSANG PUKTO 541 550 502 550 KYONGSANG NAMDO 650 707 650 640 CHOLLA PUKTO 608 608 550 566 CHOLLA NAMDO 558 575 508 541 CHEJU DO 733 680 617 740 AVERAGE 648 675 619 659 Source - National Price Administration, SKIG 2. Population a. Surrendered and Disarmed -- No change: 179,376 b. Progress of Repatriation -- This Period To Date Japanese Civilians Arriving from N of 38° N KOREA, CHINA and MANCHURIA 0 288,529 Japanese Evacuated to JAPAN 0 883,995 Total Koreans Returning 3,210* 2,109,139 Total Repatriates Moved Since 15 Aug 45 2,993,792 c. Koreans Apprehended While Attempting Illegal Entry to JAPAN 23,717 *Incomplete report 14 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND A5076 XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S #141 PART I D. PSYCHOLOGICAL The Press Formation of the National Assembly was heralded by the moderate SEOUL SHIN MUN (Seoul Daily News) as "the first step to Korean independence" and "one of the greatest events in the history of the world." The remainder of this editorial dwelled upon the strength of "a certain party" (meaning the HANKOOKS) which is endeavoring to "dominate the new assembly." The editor warned that a "super party" would result in national disintegration. The results of the election, it was stated, showed that the people do not want the autocratic rule of a "certain party." HAN SUNG ILBO — owned by SKIG's middle-of-the-road Civil Administrator, AHN Chai Hong, asserted that despite the fact that the HDP "best supported the UN decision on KOREA," that party failed in achieving an "overwhelming victory" in the election. "HDP (HANKOOK) candidates ran for election in every district," said HAN SUNG, "but many of their candidates received few votes in spite of the backing of millions of won.... This proves that the people are highly disciplined politically and are unwilling to be subjugated by power and money." The paper predicted that "team-work" on the part of the independent assemblymen would defeat the ambitions of the HANKOOK DEMOCRATIC PARTY. Communist-line newspapers continued their attacks upon the South Korean administration and U.S. aims in KOREA. Still adhering to selective "reporting" rather than pure editorializing, SYN MIN ILBO (New People's Daily) carried an article entitled "America is Trying To Make KOREA A Colony." Reportedly, the views expressed in the article were those of the PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC PARTY (a communist party headed by KIM Won Bong). According to this party, reported the SYN MIN ILBO, the SOVIET UNION has consistently shown a "faithful and friendly attitude in seeking a democratic, unified KOREA.... This freedom and unification could be achieved quickly if the U.S. would consent to the withdrawal request contained in the document drawn up recently by the conferees i PYONGYANG.... Continued occupation of KOREA profanes and slanders a written petition which expresses the will of all the Korean people.... South Korean puppets maintain that even if the Soviet troops are withdrawn, U.S. forces will remain and will cooperate in the preparations for an expedition to the North.... Thus foreign imperialism is trampling the will and denying the rights of the Korean people ... while establishing a puppet government to accomplish its policy of colonization and enslavement." Both the OORI SHIN MUN (Our Press) and the SYN MIN ILBO devoted considerable space to the "forced, reactionary" election in South KOREA. The latter paper, however, has concentrated more on rubbing in the brine of "colonization and imperialism." On 26 May the SYN MIN ILBO attacked the "brutal policy" of the UNITED STATES which ignores the "proper request of joint withdrawal" and persists in assuring the UNITED STATES a firm grip over half of KOREA. Under the pretext of protecting the future government, the U.S. has already made plans to "interfere with the political and economic affairs of KOREA," stated this paper. DECLASSIFIED Authority: NND 745070 15 XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S #141 PART I E. SABOTAGE & ESPIONAGE One major item of sabotage occurred at 260830 May when a group of thugs set fire to a telephone exchange near YONG DONG PO (991-1638). The building and equipment were destroyed. Telephone wires were again cut near WIMI (964-1123) on CHEJU DO on 20 May. Two agents were apprehended during the period. One was a member of the NORTH KOREA LABOR PARTY who was spreading propaganda in KUNSAN (972- 1452). The other agent was reportedly sent to South KOREA by a Soviet officer. His mission was to gather military information and sample public opinion. DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 16