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PART I SOUTH KOREA From: 111200/I June 48 To: 181200/I June 48 Headquarters, USAFIK Seoul, Korea 18 June 1948 No. 144 Maps: KOREA, 1/250,000 East ASIA, 1/1,000,000 A. ARMED FORCES 1. Strength (Secret) Police: 34,900 Constabulary: 60,954 (including 25,116 recruits) Coast Guard: 2,999 (including 131 cadets) 2. Operational Activity (Confidential) a. Border Incidents At 141045 June three Americans and two Koreans were fired upon by North Korean Constabularymen while on route to inspect the irrigation reservoir at (836.4-1697.9). One Korean member of the party was slightly wounded. (A-1) At 142140 June a South Korean police patrol was ambushed near (910.1- 1696.9) by North Korean Constabularymen. One South Korean was wounded. (C-3) On 14 June the missing South Korean Coast Guard vessel "KOLCH" was reported by Radio PYONGYANG to have landed at WONSAN (1040-1830). (Radio PYONGYANG) At 151020 June South Korean police at (1090.6-1696.4) were fired upon from north of the parallel by North Korean Constabularymen. (C-3) At 171030 June a large group of the North Korean Constabulary crossed the parallel near (919.3-1693.8) and molested South Korean farmers until forced to withdraw by South Korean police. (B-3) At 171730 June a DAI DONG YOUTH member, while patrolling the parallel with five other members, was wounded by two of about 30 rounds of rifle fire from about 60 North Korean Constabualrymen. The South Korean patrol was located at (916.2-1696.6) whereas the NKC were located at (916.3-1697.1). (Police report) COMMENT: The first incident listed above occurred at the same place at which a group of Americans and Koreans was fired upon on 26 May 1948 (See W/S #141). The letters of 29 May and 02 June to the Soviet Commander concerning attacks on Americans remain unanswered. The number of incidents reported this week, 5, is a sharp decline from the totals of the past two weeks, 9. It may be that this decline is the result of new orders to the South Korean police to avoid contact with North Koreans whenever possible. b. Constabulary Action on CHEJU DO The Constabulary completed Operation Order Number 4. Fifty-three prisoners were taken, 4 raiders were killed attempting to escape and raider supply points containing about 2 tons of miscellaneous supplies were captured. The island commander believes that operations in the mountains are complete. 3 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S #144 PART I B. CURRENT INTELLIGENCE 1. National Assembly a. Proceedings During the period covered the National Assembly met six times. The major issues considered were: a resolution inviting North Koreans to hold a free election and participate in the National Assembly; selection of a new Nominating Committee; approval of the Nominating Committee's proposals; bombing incident of LIANCOURT ROCKS (see para D); and the summer grain collection program. At the 12 June session, a resolution expressing the sentiments of the National Assembly toward its fellow countrymen in North KOREA was adopted. The resolution pointed out that the CAIRO and POTSDAM Conferences had promised Korean independence but that trusteeship, as proposed by the MOSCOW Agreement, was not the proper solution. Therefore, the US-USSR Joint Commission had failed and it was necessary for the United Nations to solve the problem by holding a free election in the area where it was possible. It commiserates with the North Koreans because they could not hold a free election due to the Soviet boycott of the UN Resolution, and it concludes with the statement: "Hereby we, all the members of the National Assembly, resolve to express our sincerest desires to our fellow countrymen in North KOREA: "We hope you, our fellow countrymen in North KOREA, will hold a general election soon in a free atmosphere, in accordance with the UN Resolution as we did, and elect the true representatives of the people, sending them to the National Assembly (to sit with us)." On the same day a new Nominating Committee was approved by the Assembly (paragraph b, below). At the 15 June session a motion was made calling for investigation of the bombing of Korean fishing vessels by American aircraft on 08 June off LIANCOURT ROCKS, which was reported in all local newspapers. The Assembly approved an amended motion to refer the question to the Foreign Affairs Committee. On 16 June, a representative of the Commanding General, USAFIK, made a statement for him to CHANG Myun, of the Foreign Affairs Committee, assuring him that no Korea-based planes were involved in any such reported incident, that an investigation was under way and as soon as completed a full report would be made, and that if it was found that U.S. forces were responsible the UNITED STATES would do everything possible to compensate and comfort the bereaved. A question pertaining to the continuance of the summer grain collection program came up before the assembly on 15 June and was referred to the Committee on Agriculture for inquiry and report. By a unanimous vote, the National Assembly adopted a resolution of appreciation for friendly remarks toward KOREA made by the President of the UNITED STATES on 12 June at Berkeley, California. COMMENT: CHO Bong Am, representative from INCHON who claims to be an anti-Stalin communist showed pro-Stalin prejudices during the debate on the resolution adopted at the 12 June session. CHO opposed the proposed resolution because it was not "pro-USSR." He said he would oppose such an anti-USSR resolution outside of the Assembly also. 4 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 XXIV CORPS G-B W/S #144 PART I A portent of a possible trend may have been revealed during the 12 June meeting. During debate on the resolution passed by the Assembly on that date, SHIN Ik Hi, in the chair, on three different occasions refused to recognize Dr. RHEE when the latter sought the floor. On issues of greater importance, SHIN Ik Hi is reputed to be prepared to oppose RHEE. Should SHIN support the HANKOOK DEMOCRATIC PARTY-sponsored draft constitution, which is to be presented to the Assembly on 21 June, the provision for a Prime Minister and a responsible cabinet may be adopted over RHEE's objections. b. Committees The Constitution Committee during the week debated and adopted a draft constitution to be presented to the National Assembly on 21 June. A major change in the original draft prepared by YU Chin Ho, member of the special committee of legal assistants appointed to advise the Constitution Committee, was the rejection of the bicameral system of government in favor of a unicameral body. The controversial article calling for the creation of a cabinet and prime minister was upheld by the committee. A new Nominating Committee composed of 19 members was selected on 12 June to nominate the required number of members of the nine Standing Committees provided for under the House Rules. Nominations of members to the following committees, as required by Article 16 of the House Rules, were approved by the Assembly on 17 June: COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP 1. Legislative and Judicial 20 2. Foreign Affairs and National Defense 30 3. Internal Affairs and Public Peace 20 4. Fiscal and Economic 40 5. Industrial, Labor, and Agricultural 40 6. Education and Welfare 20 7. Transportation and Communication 15 8. Qualifications 15 9. Discipline 15 c. Factions and Parties Three parties or factions have thus far developed prominence in the National Assembly: (1) The HANKOOK DEMOCRATIC PARTY claims 86 members of whom about 70 are reported to be amenable to discipline. (2) The SAM IL Club, headed by SHIN Ik Hi and LEE Chung Chun, was formed in opposition to the HDP and claims approximately 60 members. (3) On 10 June The INDEPENDENT Club was formed by merging the YOOK Il (6-1) and the MINU Club. Led by CHO Bong Am, (see comment par B, 1, a) the INDEPENDENCE Club claims a membership of 52 representatives and appears to represent leftist political views. COMMENT: Factions within the various clubs make it difficult to determine club or "party" strength. On any issue which may arise, SHIN Ik Hi is said to be able to deliver 24 votes and LEE Chung Chun 13. The INDEPENDENCE Club is composed of members without common objectives who may be expected to split apart in a strong contest. 5 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S #144 PART I Other clubs previously reported, such as the YOUNG MEN'S Club, do not now appear to be separate political organizations. d. Relations with UNTCOK UNTCOK has failed to place itself on record as formally recognizing the Korean National Assembly. Determined efforts have been made by individual members of the Commission to obtain UNTCOK recognition of the National Assembly, but so far they have met an equally adamant opposition. COMMENT: A resolution adopted by the Commission on 10 June informing the representatives to the National Assembly that UNTCOK "is now ready for such consultation as the elected representatives may request" carefully avoided any reference to the Korean National Assembly. De facto recognition however, appears to have been made since the cover letter was addressed to "Dr. Syng Man RHEE, Chairman of the Korean National Assembly." This issue is still under debate at UNTCOK. e. Roster of National Assembly Officers and Committees (Unclassified) A roster of Korean National Assembly Officers and Committees follows: NAME PARTY Chairman: RHEE Syng Man NBAKI Vice-Chairman: SHIN Ik Hi NSAKI KIM Dong Won HDP Secretary General: Dr. CHUN Kyu Hong (non-member) Liaison Committee: (5 members) YUN Chi Yung KNYC LEE Han Koo KIP CHANG Ki Yung HDP CHANG Myun INDEPENDENT * KIM Doo Yun HDP Ways & Means Committee: (3 members) KIM Joon Yun HDP PAIK Kwan Soo HDP KIM Sang Don INDEPENDENT Correspondence & Press Committee: (3 members) HUH Jong HDP CHUNG Hai Jun NSAKI LEE Han Bal INDEPENDENT Committee on Rules: (15 members) SUH Chung Ha, Chairman HDP YUN Chi Yung HDP RHEE Yoo Sun NSAKI CHUNG Koo Chan (San) N[illegible]KI SUNG Nak Su NSAKI KIM Myung Dong INDEPENDENT BAI Hoon INDEPENDENT KIM Hong Doo INDEPENDENT CHUNG Kwang Ho HDP KIM Chang Wul INDEPENDENT KIM Yak Soo KOREA REPUBLICAN PARTY RHEE Won Hong NSAKI CHOI Yoon Dong HDP CHUN Chin Han DAI HAN LABOR LEAGUE CHANG Ki Yung INDEPENDENT *Catholic leader Constitution 6 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 735070 XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S #144 PART I NAME PARTY Constitution Drafting Committee: (30 members) SU Sang Il, Chairman HDP LEE Yun Yung, Vice Chairman CDP LEE Chung Chun DAI DONG YOUTH CHO Bong An INDEPENDENT SU Sung Dal NSAKI HONG Ik Pyo INDEPENDENT KIM Kyung Bai INDEPENDENT KIM Hyo Suk NSAKI PAK Hai Keuk INDEPENDENT KOO Choong Hoi INDEPENDENT HUH Jong HDP KIM Sang Duk MIN TONG LEE Kang Oo INDEPENDENT CHUNG Do Yung NSAKI KIM Ik Ki NSAKI CHO Hun Yung HDP YUN Byung Ho INDEPENDENT YOO Hong Uyl INDEPENDENT LEE Han Koo INDEPENDENT LEE Chong Lin INDEPENDENT KIM Myung In INDEPENDENT CHOI Kyu Ok NSAKI PAIK Kwan Soo HDP O Yong Kook HDP SHIN Hyun Don NSAKI YOON Suk Koo INDEPENDENT O Suk Choo NSAKI KIM Joon Yun HDP KIM Ok Choo INDEPENDENT YOO Sung Kap TAN MIN Outside Specialists Assisting the Constitution Drafting Committee: (10 members) RO Chin Sul, Chief Justice YU Chin O, Author and Professor of Law at Korea University KO Pyung Kook, Ex-Dean of the Law of College of Seoul National Unviersity KWON Sung Yul, Deputy Director of Department of Justice IM Moon Hwan, Research Officer of National Economic Board CHA Yun Hong, Secretary of National Election Committee and Businessman YUN Kil Choong, Secretary of National Election Committee and Former Legal Expert with KILA KIM Yong Kun, Secretary of National Election Committee and Former Legal Expert with KILA RO Yong Ho, Secretary of National Election Committee and Former Legal Expert with KILA HAN Kun Cho, . . Lawyer Abbreviations used to denote party affiliations: NSAKI NATIONAL SOCIETY FOR THE ACCELERATION OF KOREAN INDEPENDENCE HDP HANKOOK DEMOCRATIC PARTY CDP CHOSEN DEMOCRATIC PARTY KNYC KOREAN NATIONAL YOUTH CORPS KIP KOREAN INDEPENDENCE PARTY DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 7 XXIV CORPS G-2 V/S #144 PART I 2. Communist Aims and Operating Procedure South KOREA's reorganizing communist minority is presently emphasizing new, old and seasonal aims with the intent to engage in active anti-government operations. The 11 aims listed below have been discussed in clandestine meetings and publicized surreptitiously since the communist failure to negate the 10 May elections: 1. "Eliminate" all rightists in the National Assembly. 2. "Eliminate" all rightists who cooperate with or work for Military Government. 3. "Oppose" the summer grain collection. 4. "Oppose" the sale of vested farm lands to the farmers. (Communists advocate confiscation of land from large property holders without compensation, and free re-distribution of this land to the farmers as has been done on a large scale in North KOREA.) 5. "Oppose" the South Korean government. 6. "Oppose" recruiting for the Constabulary. (Communists term this recruiting "forced mobilization.") 7. "Support" the political view of anti-separate government as voiced by Rightist KIM Koo and Middle-Roader KIM Kyu Sik. 8. "Support" the "people's fight" on CHEJULDO. 9. "Demand" the immediate withdrawal of both armies from KOREA. 10. "Demand" the release of patriots from jails. 11. "Demand" more rations. B-2 information claims that SOUTH KOREA LABOR PARTY operational orders, already issued, call for the organization of three-man fighting groups which are to collect weapons to be used in fighting for the above aims. Examples of assignments are: blacksmiths and jewelers are to make hand grenades, employees of trucking companies are to obtain gasoline for sabotage purposes, and in at least one province each communist is to report the names and movements of at least eight rightists and employees of Military Government. C-3 information reports that current operational instructions remind communists that "the manner of fighting should exhibit great cruelty"... "it is a victory for us to sacrifice 10 persons for one policeman." 3. Civil Unrest a. At least 29 people died in South KOREA this week as communist assassins struck at rightists, and as police ran down and fought small battles with communist squads. Among those assassinated this week was Colonel PAK Chin Kyung, Commanding Officer of the Korean Constabulary forces on CHEJULDO and an outstanding combat leader. His assassin escaped. DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 8 XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S #144 PART I b. Weekly Violence Summary A summary of acts of violence involving communists for the week as reported up to 18 June is as follows: [TABLE WITH COLUMNS: Seoul, Kyonggi-Do, Kangwon-Do, Chungchong-Pukto, Chungchong-Namdo, Cholla-Pukto, Cholla-Namdo, Kyongsang-Pukto, Kyongsang-Namdo, Cheju-Do, Total] Attacks on towns 1 1 Attacks on police 1 1 Police killed 2 2 Communists killed 6 10 5 21 Rightists killed 4 1 2 1 8 Demonstrations, disorders, arson, & attacks on rightists 3 1 4 Attacks on government buildings 1 1 Sabotage (communications) Sabotage (RR lines) Sabotage (roads) Sabotage (bridges) Sabotage (power) Strikes (labor) Strikes (schools) c. Delayed Reports Covering Last Week Delayed reports of incidents that occurred during the week ending 11 June which were not carried in last week's summary (see Part 1, B, 4,a., W/S #143) are: [TABLE WITH COLUMNS: Seoul, Kyonggi-Do, Kangwon-Do, Chungchong-Pukto, Chungchong-Namdo, Cholla-Pukto, Cholla-Namdo, Kyongsang-Pukto, Kyongsang-Namdo, Cheju-Do, Total] Attacks on towns Attacks on police Police killed 1 1 1 3 Communists killed 1 2 1 6 10 Rightists killed Demonstrations, disorders, arson,& attacks on rightists 1 1 2 Attacks on government buildings Sabotage (communications) 1 1 Sabotage (RR lines) Sabotage (roads) Sabotage (bridges) Sabotage (power) Strikes (labor) Strikes (schools) DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 9 미국자료 Ⅲ 601 XXIV CORPS G-2 V/S #144 PART I d. 1948 Communist Activities In South KOREA JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE* TOTAL Attacks on towns 0 0 0 5 73 4 82 Attacks on police 0 130 118 50 86 7 391 Police killed 0 33 20 15 34 2 104 Communists killed 1 74 75 70 155 4 423 Rightists killed 1 14 14 81 144 23 277 Disorders, demonstrations arson & attacks on 8 118 69 126 196 29 544 rightist offices & homes Attacks on government buildings 0 9 14 2 9 1 35 Sabotage (communications)14 53 58 32 57 5 219 Sabotage (RR lines) 1 12 6 0 8 0 27 Sabotage (RR locomotives) 0 50 0 0 24 0 74 Sabotage (roads) 0 13 5 2 5 0 25 Sabotage (bridges) 0 6 9 5 4 0 24 Sabotage (power) 0 0 0 0 7 0 7 Strikes (labor) 0 14 6 3 16 0 39 Strikes (schools) 0 7 5 4 9 0 25 Attacks on registration & election booths 0 0 0 58 68 0 126 * Incomplete e. KNYC Recruiting Draws Rightist Wrath The recruiting program of SKIG's KOREAN NATIONAL YOUTH CORPS has brought the wrath of the rightist GREAT KOREAN INDEPENDENCE YOUNG MEN'S CORPS down upon it in TAEGANG-HI (1073-1567), according to a delayed report. The rightists attacked the KNYC during the latter's local dedication ceremonies on 09 June. On the following day GKIYMC members kidnapped two KNYC members and beat them into unconciousness. (C-3) 10 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S #144 PART I CIVIL UNREST CHART HWANGHAE-DO KANGWON-DO Ongjin 38' • Chunchon •Seoul KYONGGI-DO CHUNGCHONG CHUNGCHUNG NAMDO PUKTO Chong KYONGSONG-PUKTO JAPAN YELLOW SEA SEA Taejon 9 O— Taegu —⊙ Ckongju CHOLLAPUKTO KYONGSONG-NAMDO 2 O⊕ 2⊕ Pusan 4 O Kwangju CHOLLA-NAMDO ⊙ ⊙ ⊙ N ○⊙⊙○4 Cheju CHEJU-DO LEGEND O COMMUNIST KILLED ⊛ ATTACKS ON TOWNS ⊙ RIGHTIST KILLED ⊙ ATTACKS ON GOVT. BUILDINGS ⊕ ATTACKS ON POLICE ⊕ POLICE KILLED 11 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 미국자료 Ⅲ 603 XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S #144 PART I C. WAR POTENTIAL 1. Electric Power Situation (See Part II, par. B, 1) 2. Cost-of-Living The upward trend in prices continued in SEOUL during 07-12 June. Eleven of the 25 cost-of-living items checked* increased from 1 to 7%, with firewood again showing the biggest rise. (See W/S #143, Part I, C,1,b.) A decline was seen in the price of five items, but the drops were substantial. Korean cabbage fell 13%, salt 12.5%, dried myungtai 11.76%, radishes 11.39%, and sugar 9.09%. The 930 won peak which rice hit last week was surpassed. On 11 June polished rice was selling for 940 won per small mal in SEOUL. The new high is attributable, in part, to (1) the effect of the draught on the barley harvest prior to last week's rains, and (2) farmers holding rice for higher prices. The sizeable fall in the price of rice at the end of the last period proved to be short-lived and was due to the effect of the appearance of long-awaited rains. *Cost of Living Items Checked in SEOUL (07-12 June) x Polished rice Matches Flannelette x Barley Beef Kwang-mok (cloth) Wheat Pork x Silk myungju (cloth) x Soybeans x Eggs x Silk socksoo (cloth) x Red beans - Korean cabbage Cotton socks - Dried myungtai (fish) - Radish x Anthracite Soy sauce Rubber shoes x Firewood - Sugar x Laundry soap Charcoal - Salt x Increase - Decrease Rice Price Summary (Monthly Averages) Unit: 1 small mal (16.67 lbs) JAN FEB MAR APR MAY 18 JUNE SEOUL 743 746 707 655 740 940 KANGWON DO 791 860 772 750 ** CHUNGCHONG PUKTO 586 657 654 600 723 CHUNGCHONG NAMDO 630 662 613 576 660 KYONGSANG PUKTO 541 550 502 550 583 KYONGSANG NAMDO 650 707 650 640 656 CHOLLA PUKTO 608 608 550 566 703 CHOLLA NAMDO 558 575 508 541 728 CHEJU DO 733 680 617 740 ** AVERAGE 648 675 619 659 Source ** Data not yet available - National Price Administration, SKIG 12 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S #144 PART I 3. 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 6 884,033 Total Koreans Returning 2,060* 2,123,203 Total Repatriates Moved Since 15 Aug 45 3,007,856 c. Koreans Apprehended While Attempting Illegal Entry to JAPAN 0 23,923 * Incomplete report 13 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 XXIV CORPS G-2 V/S #144 PART I D. PSYCHOLOGICAL The Press - Public Opinion "4. The LIANCOURT ROCKS Incident: On 11 June the right-wing CHOSUN ILBO (Korean Daily News) reported that on 08 June unidentified planes bombed and strafed fifteen fishing vessels near the LIANCOURT ROCKS, about 140 miles east of KANGWON Province. (The CHOSUN ILBO report of the effects of the bombing and strafing closely approximated a later report from a USAFGI agent: 16 persons killed or missing, 8 seriously wounded, 21 persons slightly wounded; 23 fishing vessels were involved in the incident. On the following day, the incident was carried and enlarged upon by all metropolitan newspapers, along with the comments by Korean spokesmen, who exploited the event fully even though the details of the reports are still without adequate verification. The incident itself sufficed to arouse the indignation of the political leaders and the press, and the word "unidentified" (planes) did little to temper the statements which appeared in all SEOUL newspapers demanding that a thorough investigation, compensation, and punishment commensurate with the crime be effected immediately. Political reactions came at once. RHEE's NSAKI suggested that the bombing incident might worsen relations between the US and KOREA; the moderate National Independence Federation indignantly declared that "weak as KOREA is, she cannot be silent when her people have been bombed by a foreign nation"; the Democratic Independence Party labeled the bombing "inhumane"; KIM Koo made a statement in which he said that unless severe punishment is dealt those responsible for the misfortune, Korean-American friendship will deteriorate; and the CHOSUN DEMOCRATIC PARTY demanded that authorities publish the "real facts" of the bombing, adding that "we cannot permit our good fishermen to be used as testing materials." On 16 June General HODGE issued a special press release in which he stated that "no U.S. planes based on or assigned to units in KOREA were in the area, or bombed, or had any part whatsoever in the affair." He added that "further investigation, including the possibility of involvement of American planes based on JAPAN, is being conducted by the Far East Air Force and the Far East Command" and that "the Korean people can be assured that if it is found that American planes were responsible, the American authorities will do everything that can be done to compensate and to comfort the bereaved for the loss of life and property.... Koreans are urged to suspend judgment until all the facts are clarified and a full report can be made." b. Japanese in KOREA: For approximately two weeks, beginning with a report from PUSAN that certain former Japanese officials in KOREA had returned to the peninsula for some mysterious (but no good) purpose, Korean newspapers have printed scores of articles which again aggravated fears that the Japanese were preparing to resume control over KOREA under U.S. auspices. The reports spread so rapidly and grew to such proportions that many Koreans, whose gullibility is unlimited with respect to the Japanese potential for treachery, placed some degree of credence in stories that Japanese troops were being used in current CHEJUDO operations and that the aircraft involved in the LIANCOURT ROCKS incident were piloted by Japanese. The rumors originated from the following report carried in the moderate HIM JOO ILBO (Democratic Daily), a newcomer among SEOUL newspapers, and the source was a Korean press correspondent from PUSAN): "On 04 June I met MIZUDA HAKOYUKI, former Japanese director of the Bureau of Finance in the Japanese Government General in KOREA. In a confused manner he told me that Shinohara TOKISABURO, former director of education, and KINISHIMA, former vice-president of the Bank of Chosun, are also here. He (MIZUDA) failed to tell me why 14 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S #144 PART I they are here. Considering their high position in the Japanese imperialistic, tyrannical government in KOREA, they should be prosecuted as war criminals. Their actions here will attract much public attention, regardless of whether they are here on personal or official business." The last sentence in this report contained remarkable verity. Reaction was immediate and acrid and emanated from all directions. CHOSUN ILBO attempted to shed light on the "dark side behind the arrival of the Japanese." The paper admitted that its sources of information were "scraps of stories, gathered from well-informed circles." It stated that one of the Japanese asserted that he had come to KOREA "to investigate the financial situation, not as a Japanese official but by the direction of MacARTHUR's headquarters." An editorial in the CHOSUN ILBO asked "Why and how have the supreme dominators of the vicious Japanese government-general come to KOREA today?" The editor went on to relate the history of Japanese aggression in the Orient and warned that unless effective precautions are taken the temporarily suppressed ambitions of JAPAN to regain control of KOREA will manifest themselves in the repetition of tyrannous subjugation. The editorial concluded with the assertion that in the U.S. policy towards JAPAN lies the key to U.S. policy in the Orient and that this policy involves the vital question as to whether the UNITED STATES will aid or abandon KOREA. Political parties and spokesmen seized upon the rumors to take a firm stand on an ever-popular issue. The minor parties had a field day. The moderate New Progressive Party blared forth with: "It is reported that the Japanese imperialists, our permanent enemies, have returned to KOREA.... This is not to be endured. If the government were responsible for this matter it would face the accusations of the entire nation. These Japanese are the topmost war criminals -- (these) cruel reprobates tried to make the Korean people change their names (into Japanese). The mere mention of these monsters makes us tremble, and we demand to know who let them come and why." The "moderate" Popular Alliance stated: "After an absence of three years, Japanese imperialists are again among us... freely and boldly striding around in KOREA... this is an insult to our people (and) raises a strong suspicion that they are planning another invasion of our country." LYUH Woon Hong's moderate SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY declared: "...We cannot endure the thought that the Japanese who made us change our names and robbed us of our food and money for the Japanese war machine are again among us. Whoever is responsible for their coming should be prepared to be the target of scorn and hatred of the Korean patriots and citizens." Moderate CHA YOO SHIN IUN carried a statement issued by ten political parties, including the Democratic Independence Party, the strongest, single moderate organization. In part these parties -- largely, barnacles on the grounded middle-lane vessel, National Independence Federation, piloted by KIM Kyu Sik -- announced that "we, who are responsible for the protection of freedom and independence of the Korean people vow that we 30 million Korean people, in cooperation with CHINA and all other nations threatened with attack by JAPAN, will rise up and destroy the resurgent ambitions of the Japanese imperialists." On 16 June General HODGE issued another special press release denouncing the rumors as fabrications of the Communists and urged the Korean people to "be alert to detect, disregard and discredit these falsehoods and that you (the Koreans) not become guilty of assisting those who wish to betray you by repeating Communist false rumors and propaganda, particularly during this critical period...." COMMENT: Following the special releases on the LIANCOURT ROCKS bombing and the rumors of Japanese arrivals comment and criticism subsided. Regarding the bombing, the Commanding General's assurance that a thorough 15 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S #144 PART I investigation would be accomplished and full responsibility would be assumed by the UNITED STATES if her soldiers were to blame has quieted the public tide of unfavorable opinion toward the UNITED STATES. Latest comments hinted that perhaps the bombing was accidental but asked "what about the machine gunning?" Otherwise, there was general indication of a willingness to await the facts. The majority of the newspapers stopped fanning the "Japanese are back" flames, but the development conclusively emphasized the susceptibility of the Koreans regarding antiJapanese propaganda themes.(see W/S #138, Part I, D). The reactions to the bombing and Japanese stories again illustrate Korean ability to unite spontaneously in the face of external developments construed to be detrimental to the welfare and prestige of the Korean people. Any news, accompanied by the flimsiest of substantiation, merely suggesting the possibility of a resurgent JAPAN or infringement from any other source upon the rights of the Korean people rapidly welds the heterogeneous and bickering factions in KOREA. This susceptibility is and will continue to be fully exploited by the Soviets and their Communist propaganda machine. 16 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S #144 PART I E. SABOTAGE AND ESPIONAGE On 05 June NAEPYONG NI (1087-1690) police arrested a North Korean boy who, allegedly, confessed poisoning wells in the area. COMMENT: Many such reports of poisoning wells have been received but no authentic case of poisoning from well water has been discovered. A recent broadcast by South Korean police in CHUNCHON (1060-1680) warning the people of possible poison in local well water has resulted in a wave of rumors about all wells in South KOREA being contaminated with everything from poison to bacteriological warfare agents. On 01 June a North Korean, allegedly a former member of the North Korean Railway Constabulary, was arrested near UIJONGBU (1000-1680). The agent admitted having made two previous trips to South KOREA to gather information. 17 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070