주한미육군사령부 정보참모부 주간요약보고

PART I SOUTH KOREA From: 131200/1 August 1948 To: 201200/1 August 1948 Headquarters USAFIK Seoul, Korea 20 August 1948 No. 153 Maps: KOREA, 1/250,000 East ASIA, 1/1,000,000 A. ARMED FORCES 1. Strength (Secret) Police: 35,000 Constabulary: 52,560 (including 2,670 recruits and 765 cadets and 505 AWOL or missing) Coast Guard: 2,906 (including 140 cadets) (B-2) 2. Operational Activity (Confidential) a. Border Incidents (1) At 132300 August an American outpost near KAESONG (950-1690) was fired on twice by unidentified persons. There were no casualties. (B-2) (2) At 162020 August an estimated 20 North Korean Constabularymen violated the parallel to attack the YANGTONG NI (1071-1695) police box. After the constabulary withdrew to North KOREA, fire was exchanged intermittently until 171200 August. (C-3) (3) On 16 August 5 North Korean Constabularymen were reported to have fired at South Korean farmers near TAECHI (1163-1696). When South Korean police returned the fire the NKC withdrew. (C-3) b. Other (1) At 170400 August the South Korean Coast Guard cutter "KWANGJU" attempted to intercept a Soviet 500 ton vessel beyond the 3-mile limit off CHEJU-DO. The vessel made a 90° turn as if to ram the cutter. (B-2) (2) At 171515 August the Soviet Commander returned the U.S. ¾ ton truck which was captured when a U.S. patrol was ambushed 19 July (I/S #149). (B-2) In a letter, the Soviet Commander stated that the vehicle had been driven at a high rate of speed from South KOREA into North KOREA and that when the North Korean police stopped the vehicle, two Koreans jumped out and ran back into South KOREA, leaving a fatally wounded Korean in the vehicle. There were no weapons in the vehicle, the Soviet Commander said. (3) At 201711 August the Soviet Commander returned the Korean truck which Soviet soldiers had forcibly removed from the lime mine near (946.2-1696.5) on 10 July. (B-2) 3 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND2074507o XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S #153 PART I The following table summarizes reported border incidents since 04 June: Border Incidents | 4-11 June | 11-18 June | 18-25 June | 25 June - 02 July | 02-09 July | 09-16 July | 16-23 July | 23-30 July | 30 July - 06 August | 06-13 August | 13-20 August | TOTAL Korean vs Korean | 4 | 6 | 4 | 6 | | 2 | 3 | | 3 | 2 | 2 | 32 Firing on US personnel | | 1 | 2 | | | 1 | 2 | 1 | | 1 | 1 | 9 Ambushes of US personnel| | | | | | | 1 | | | | | 1 Soviet violations of parallel* | | | | | | 1 | | | | | | 1 Korean violations of parallel* | 2 | 1 | | 1 | | | | 1 | | 1 | | 6 Soviets vs Koreans | | | | | | | | | | | | TOTAL | 7 | 8 | 6 | 7 | | 4 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 50 * No firing involved DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S #153 PART I B. CURRENT INTELLIGENCE 1. The Korean Government a. The 15 August Celebration and Statements The formation of the Government of the Korean Republic and the third anniversary of VJ Day were celebrated by Koreans throughout South KOREA on 15 August 1948. The SEOUL celebration was held at the Capitol. Among the distinguished guests in SEOUL were General of the Army MacARTHUR, Lt. General HODGE, Monsignor P.J. BYRNE, and members of United Nations Temporary Commission on KOREA. RHEE Syng Man, President of the Republic of KOREA, and each of the other individuals named, delivered speeches, Rufino LUNA speaking on behalf of UNTCOK. (1) President RHEE's address centered on six "fundamental principles which underlie our nation": i.e., "First: We must have a firm faith in democracy. It is regrettable that we sometimes meet with people who hold dictatorship to be a more suitable form of government to overcome current difficulties and combat Communism, holding democracy too loose and unorganized to achieve immediate ends. However, history has proved dictatorship to be inimical to liberty and peace. It is true that democracy is more difficult and slow, but we must not forget that right will win in the end. Democracy is what all our friendly neighbors believe in, and have fought for, and are still fighting for, against totalitarianism...." "Second: We must institute protection both for popular prerogatives and individual freedom. The essence lies in safeguarding the fundamental freedoms of the individual, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion and freedom of thought...." "Third: We must respect and guard freedom.... Young men of advanced ideas among the free-spirited intelligentsia are apt to go too far in criticizing, impatient with governmental measures of necessarily slow and cautious progression. We, in turn, are liable to brand such youths as dangerous elements or destructionists. But, freedom of thought is an essential component of democracy, and the right to express opposition to a given opinion should be protected at all costs.... Suppression of such people will involve violation of the principle of tolerance without which democracy is impossible. In the eternal struggle between right and wrong, we must stand firm in the faith that truth will eventually prevail. "Fourth: Tolerance and cooperation must be made the key to administration. In order to make the new nation we are now founding solidly laid within, and respected without; the primary requisite is for us to regard our government as a government of the people, by the people and for the people. This legally constituted government is based on universal elections held in all parts of KOREA where foreign troops did not interfere .... Every Korean citizen must therefore, give this government his allegiance and support. Korean citizens are guaranteed the great freedoms of civil liberties, but they are not guaranteed the right to subvert and attempt to overthrow their government. Clear warning must be given to those disaffected persons, whether they are communists or not, who believe that they may band 5 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 미국자료 IV 353 XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S #153 PART I together to overthrow this government.... Democracy involves universal popular participation in government under a guarantee of civil rights, but no democratic government can permit dissidents to destroy the government itself under the shield of civil liberties. "Fifth: I am determined to devote all my strength to the improvement of the living conditions of our suffering people, whether they be city workers or country farmers. In the olden days every consideration was given to making easy the lives of the 'Yangban' (high civil or military officials). This consideration must end and must be replaced by a new concept of the dignity of man, the dignity of labor, and the equality of all citizens to opportunity before the law.... "The sixth and last point to be emphasized is that we need economic assistance. To be sure, there were times when foreign aid and assistance were considered dangerous to the nations receiving them, and we should be careful in asking for foreign help. However, the old idea has given way to a new concept of the relationship of nations, great and small, which recognizes the fundamental interdependence of all nations, and the inseparability of peace and war throughout the whole globe. Consequently, the freedom and well being of a small nation is of deep concern to great powers. Individually, and through the United Nations, these powers in the past have shown, and we believe in the future will continue to show, their belief that it is in the interest of the whole free world that the largest portion of the globe should remain free. Therefore, they have given us aid and assistance and they will continue to give us aid and assistance, not for selfish, imperialistic advantage, but in the hope of the maintenance of the peace of the world." The remainder of RHEE's address dwelt upon the termination of Military Government and the desire for harmonious relations with all other nations of the world. Specifically mentioned was the promise of strong "friendly ties" with the UNITED STATES, CHINA and the PHILIPPINE ISLANDS. Regarding the USSR, RHEE stated: "The USSR is our neighbor and we wish to live in peace and friendship with that great nation. We ask of them only that they permit us to live in liberty as we wish them to live in liberty. If the day comes when they share this wish, the Republic of KOREA will extend the hand of friendship to the USSR, as today it feels friendship with the governments of the free world." (2) General MacARTHUR: (General MacARTHUR's speech is given in Inclosure #1) (page 17) (3) General HODGE: (General HODGE's speech is given in Inclosure #2.) (page 19) (4) Monsignor P. J. BYRNE: The Right Reverend Monsignor P.J. BYRNE, Apostolic Visitor to KOREA stated: "[illegible] The Holy See has been fully in accord with the brotherly concern of the United Nations, in their decision to send a Commission to KOREA to expedite the recognition of this country as a truly sovereign member of the family of nations. 6 DECLASSIFIED Authority N[illegible]D 745070 XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S #153 PART I "...Surely we may confidently expect the full approval of this government by the U.N. General Assembly that recommended the actual process of its election; and meantime we hope and expect a steady increase in the number of individual nations that, while awaiting this confirmation, will recognize the new government of KOREA." (5) Dr. Rufino LUNA: The Chairman of the United Nations Commission in KOREA, Dr. LUNA, presented a chronological review of the international efforts made to secure the independence of KOREA and concluded with the following remarks: "Today, we are gathered here to celebrate the formation of your new government, organized by Koreans and run by Koreans for Koreans. This is a "glorious occasion for you. It is a milestone on your road to becoming a full member of the family of nations. "A few minutes ago, you hoisted your Korean national flag. Keep that flag flying by unshakeable national unity, and let it remain hoisted by the unwavering patriotism of every Korean. "As Chairman of the United Nations Temporary Commission on KOREA, I extend to you the sincere congratulations of the Commission on the establishment of your government; and as Representative of the PHILIPPINES, I assure you that it is far better that you have organized your own government than never to have established it at all." b. Formation of Civil Affairs Section General Order No. 30, dated 15 August 1948, and effective 152400, established the Civil Affairs Section, Headquarters, United States Army Forces in Korea. The functions of the Civil Affairs Section are defined as follows in Section I of the Order: "a. The Civil Affairs Section will make a progressive and orderly transfer of governmental functions now exercised by the Commanding General USAFIK through the United States Army Military Government in Korea, to the Government of the Republic of Korea, in accordance with arrangements agreed upon, when and as approved by this headquarters. This section will regulate, coordinate, and supervise all residual functions, pertaining to civil affairs in connection with the responsibilities of the United States Army Forces in Korea. "b. To accomplish the provisions of paragraph a, above, the Civil Affairs Section will coordinate civil affairs activities with the operation of the several staff sections of this command, in conformity with policies established by this and higher headquarters from time to time." Other sections of the Order announced the assignment of Major General Charles G. HELMICK, former Deputy Military Governor, to the Civil Affairs Section. c. Relations with UNTCOK On 14 August the United Nations Temporary Commission on KOREA reached a decision to hold consultations with representatives of the Republic of Korea (see W/S #152, page 5). 7 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S #153 PART I On 17 August Foreign Minister CHANG Taik Sang notified UNTOOK that he had designated CHANG Myun, CHANG Ki Yung, and KOH Chang Il "as representatives of the Foreign Ministry" to conduct consultations regarding: "(1) establishment of a Security Force; (2) the arrange- ments for transfer of authority from the United States Occupation Forces to the Korean Government; and (3) the withdrawal of foreig. troops when practicable." d. The National Assembly The National Assembly, in adjournment since 05 August, reconvened on 16 August. Activities of the legislative body centered primarily on the proposed National Traitor Law. The first reading was completed on 17 August. On that day, also, the Assembly decided to meet henceforth only in the mornings, the afternoons to be reserved for committee meetings. The following two days were devoted largely to further discussion of the provisions of the National Traitor bill and the effect of such legislation on members of the Government. Although no names were mentioned, several Assemblymen revealed that they intended to remove YOO Chin Oh, Director of the Office of Legislation, by labeling him a "pro-Japanese" and applying the provisions of this law when it is passed. It was stated that YOO once advocated the adoption of Japanese as the national language of KOREA. A motion was made forming a nine-man committee to investigate national traitors presently holding office in the Government and submit names of persons considered to be in this category along with a letter of recommendation to the Executive Branch of the Government requesting the exclusion of all national traitors from the administration. The motion carried by a vote of 112 to 11, out of 169 present. In reply to a proposal that members of the National Assembly be similarly investigated, the Chairman of the Investigation and Qualification Committee stated that the Assemblymen had already met the qualification of the National Election Law and were no longer subject to investigation as "pro-Japanese." 2. Disintegration of the Moderates The reiteration of disapproval of the North Korean separate government moves by KIM Koo and KIM Kyu Sik and their organizations has resultedin developments indicating that open breaks are imminent between the right and left factions of the parties which belong to the SOCIETY FOR THE ACCELERATION OF UNIFIED INDEPENDENCE and the NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE FEDERATION. These developments were precipitated by the NIF announcement that 12 of its members would be expelled from the Federation unless they can disprove that they have aided the establishment of a government in North KOREA (see W/S #152, page 9). While political observers commented variously on the "new attitude" of the two KIMs, reports were received that the dissension in the moderate parties had progressed sufficiently to split the components of the "non-communist opposition to separate governments." Due to the continued absence of HONG Myong Hi, chairman of the Democratic Independence Party, who has not returned from North KOREA, after participating the first PYONGYANG Conference, the DIP has been unable to make a public statement clarifying its position with regard to the North Korean government. Lesser officials are divided on the course of action to be followed. (B-2) RYU Sok Hyun, chief of the Political Bureau of DIP, announced his resignation from that position on 12 August because, he said, he was incapable of resolving differences between DIP factions. (B-2) 8 DECLASSIFIED Authority N n2D 745070 XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S #153 PART I 3. Civil Unrest a. Police Action Against Violent Elements Although over twenty reports, evaluated from F to B, have been received that the South Korea Labor Party had issued instructions for communist violence on 15 August, no incidents were reported. Persistent police action against the communists throughout South KOREA was intensified during the period 05-13 August, when police arrested more than 2,000 reported agitators or rioters. In addition to the effect of this operation, a factor contributing to the peacefulness of the week-end, was a South Korea Labor Party directive instructing all South Korea cell leaders to arrive in North KOREA on or before 25 August. It is assumed that the leaders eagerly decided that this directive took precedence over the one requiring them to confront the police. b. Guerrilla Forces on CHEJU-DO Small groups of guerrilla forces, consisting of staff and training personnel, are reportedly in the CHEJU-DO Mountains. Guerrilla headquarters is not stationary, but moves frequently to avoid police and Constabulary action. Personnel for guerrilla units are drawn from villages and towns as the occasion dictates and upon completion of their mission, return to their homes. During an assignment villagers are subjected to intense training and receive actual experience by participating in raids. Included in the raider organization and fully utilized in their operations is a well-organized and efficient spy and lookout system. Added to this professional assistance is the generally sympathetic attitude of the islanders. Due to the system of guerrilla operations, the changes of personnel from active to inactive status, the switching of weapons from one raider unit to another, and the recalling and reissuing of weapons by raider leaders, it is impracticable to estimate the number of men and arms which can be mustered by the guerrillas at any given time. According to verified information, the raiders have an estimated 12 American carbines and 25 M-1 rifles which were obtained by raids on the police or through deserters from the Constabulary. In addition a considerable number of Japanese 99 rifles, as well as some Japanese hand grenades, are known to be in the raider hands. Several Japanese machine guns in the possession of guerrillas are believed to be inoperable. During this period the police are bearing the brunt of the offensive action against the raiders. The Constabulary is engaged primarily in recruiting, reorganizing and training; however, in the course of its training some action to assist the police is taken. 10 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 4.3미국자료집 4권210716.qxp_레이아웃 1 21. 7. 20. 오후 3:34 페이지 359 XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S #153 PART I c. Communist Violence (1) Weekly Violence Summary A summary of acts of violence involving communists for the week as reported up to 20 August is as follows: [TABLE WITH COLUMNS: Seoul / Kyenggi Do / Kangwon Do / Chungchong Namdo / Chungchong Pukto / Cholla Namdo / Cholla Pukto / Kyongsang Namdo / Kyongsang Pukto / Chu ju Do / TOTAL] Attacks on towns Attacks on police Police killed Rightists killed Communists killed 1 1 Demonstrations, disorders, arson & attacks on rightists 1 1 Attacks on government buildings Sabotage (communications) Sabotage (RR lines) Sabotage (Roads) Sabotage (Bridges) Sabotage (Power) Strikes (Labor) Strikes (Schools) (2) Delayed Reports Covering Last Week Delayed reports of incidents which occurred during the week ending 13 August but which were not carried in last week's summary (See W/S #152, page 11) are: [TABLE WITH COLUMNS: Seoul / Kyenggi Do / Kangwon Do / Chungchong Namdo / Chung chon Pukto / Cholla Namdo / Cholla Pukto / Kyongsang Namdo / Kyongsang Pukto / Chu ju Do / TOTAL] Attacks on towns Attacks on police 1 2 3 Police killed 2 1 3 Rightists killed Communists killed 1 1 2 Demonstrations disorders, arson & attacks on rightists Attacks on government buildings Sabotage (communications) Sabotage (RR lines) Sabotage (Roads) Sabotage (Bridges) Sabotage (Power) Strikes (Labor) Strikes (Schools) 11 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 미국자료 IV 359 XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S #153 PART I (3) 1946 Communist Activities in South KOREA JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG TOTAL Attacks on towns 5 73 9 1 88 Attacks on police 130 118 50 86 12 11 5 412 Police killed 33 20 15 34 4 1 3 110 Rightists killed 1 14 14 31 144 51 10 315 Communists killed 1 74 75 70 155 83 33 11 502 Disorders, demonstrations, arson, attacks on rightists' offices and homes 6 118 69 126 196 81 24 4 624 Attacks on government buildings 9 14 2 9 3 37 Sabotage (communications) 14 53 58 32 57 8 1 223 Sabotage (RR lines) 1 12 6 8 1 28 Sabotage (locomotives) 50 24 74 Sabotage (roads) 13 5 2 5 25 Sabotage (bridges) 6 9 5 4 24 Sabotage (power) 7 1 8 Strikes (labor) 14 6 3 16 1 40 Strikes (school) 7 5 4 9 25 d. Other Violence (1) No rightist inspired acts of violence were reported during the period. (2) A summary of acts of violence on the part of persons of unknown political affiliation as reported up to 20 August 1946, is as follows: Seoul Kyonggi Do Kangwon Do Chungchong Namdo Chungchong Pukto Cholla Namdo Cholla Pukto Kyongsang Namdo Kyongsang Pukto Cheju Do TOTAL Assassination Anti-grain collection Political terrorism Demonstration 2 2 Resistance to arrest Arson 1 1 Unclassified Attacks on police 1 1 Attacks on individuals 1 1 Sabotage (communication) Sabotage (railroad lines) 2 2 Sabotage (power) Sabotage (bridges) Strikes (labor) Strikes (schools) 12 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S #153 PART I (3) Delayed Reports covering Last Week Delayed reports of incidents involving other than communists which occurred during the week ending 13 August but which were not carried in last week's summary are: Seoul Kyonggi Do Kangwon Do Chungchong Namdo Chungchong Fukto Cholla Namdo Cholla Fukto Kyongsang Namdo Kyongsang Fukt Cheju Do TOT. Assassination Anti-grain collection Political terrorism Demonstration 2 2 1 5 Resistance to arrest 3 3 Arson Unclassified 1 1 2 Attacks on police Attacks on individuals Sabotage (communications) Sabotage (railroad lines) Sabotage (power) Sabotage (bridges) Strikes (labor) Strikes (school) (4) Monthly summary of acts of violence on the part of persons of unknown political affiliation: JULY AUG* TOTAL Assassination 7 7 Anti-grain collection 9 1 10 Political terrorism 1 1 2 Demonstration 15 7 22 Resistance to arrest 5 3 8 Arson 2 3 5 Unclassified 11 3 14 Attacks on police 1 1 Attacks on individuals 1 1 Sabotage (communications) 1 2 3 Sabotage (railroad lines) Sabotage (power) Sabotage (bridges) Strikes (labor) Strikes (school) 1 1 * Incomplete 13 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 4.3미국자료집 4권210716.qxp_레이아웃 1 21. 7. 20. 오후 3:34 페이지 362 e. CIVIL UNREST CHART HWANGHAE-DO KANGTON-DO 38 △Chunchen Seoul KYONGGI-DO YELLOW SEA. CHUNGCHONG- PUKTO CHUNGCHONGNAMDO Chongju KYONGSANGTaejon PUKTO CHOLLA-PUKTO △Chonju ○ △ Taegu KYONGSANG-NAMDO Kwangju △ Jirisan CHOLLA-NAMDO gs △ ψ SOUTH KOREA Cheju CHEJU-DO LEGEND ○ COMMUNIST KILLED ⊠ ATTACK ON POLICE INVOLVING UNKNOWNS ⊙ COMMUNIST ATTACK ON RIGHTISTS ⊡ DEMONSTRATION INVOLVING UNKNOWNS ⊡ ARSON INVOLVING UNKNOWNS ⊡ ATTACK ON INDIVIDUALS INVOLVING UNKNOWNS 14 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND745070 **362** 제주4·3사건 추가진상조사자료집 6 XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S ¥153 PART I C. WAR POTENTIAL 1. Economic - Cost-of-Living Cost-of-living items in SEOUL* remained stable during the week ending 14 August. Polished rice, selling at 1200 won per small mal (16.7 lbs) and barley, retailing at 800 won per small mal, showed drops. Rice declined 4% and barley 2.1% over the previous period. Charcoal rose 18% (Source: National Price Administration). Cost of Living Items Checked in SEOUL (13-20 August) - Polished rice Matches Flannelette - Barley Beef Kwang-mek (cloth) Wheat Flour Pork Silk myungju (cloth) Soy Beans Eggs Silk sook soo (cloth) Red beans Radishes Anthracite Dried myungtai (fish) Korean cabbage Firewood Sugar Rubber shoes Cotton socks Salt Laundry soap ¢ Charcoal Soy sauce RICE PRICE SUMMARY - MONTHLY AVERAGES Unit: 1 small mal (16.67 lbs.) JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY 20 AUG* SEOUL 743 746 707 655 740 895 1033 1310 KANGWON DO 791 860 772 750 816 920 X CHUNGCHONG PUKTO 586 657 654 600 723 943 X CHUNGCHONG NAMDO 630 662 613 576 660 860 X KYONGSANG PUKTO 541 550 502 550 583 807 X KYONGSANG NAMDO 650 707 650 640 666 868 X CHOLLA PUKTO 608 608 550 566 703 850 X CHOLLA NAMDO 558 575 508 541 728 875 X CHEJU DO 733 680 617 740 733 983 X AVERAGE 648 676 619 659 706 889 X SOURCE: National Price Administration (except for 20 August price). * 20 Aug Price: Source - Open market (5) in Seoul; price is for new small mal (18.48 lbs. or 10 liters) which most merchants began using during this week. 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 0 288,532 Japanese Evacuated to JAPAN 98 884,296 Total Koreans Returning 2,371* 2,157,074 Total Repatriates Moved Since 15 August 1945 3,041,727 c. Koreans Apprehended While Attempting Illegal Entry to JAPAN 24,838 * Incomplete 15 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S #153 PART I D. PSYCHOLOGICAL The Press Acclaim of the formation of the government and the third anniversary of Korean Liberation on 15 August highlighted the editorial activity of the Seoul press during the period. Preeminent were the accolades delivered: "the greatest day in our 5,000 years of history," "a day for national rejoicing," "Korean independence has finally become a reality," "a ray of hope for each of our 30 million people," "holy tears for the liberation...." Most editors, however, following lofty introductions, took the opportunity to again relate the tragedy of the 38th parallel. In general right-wing newspapers expressed a sincere desire for unity but they offered no solution for the eradication of the boundary between the zones of occupation. Moderate writers, on the other hand, saw the crux of the problem in the inability of the United States and the Soviet Union, not the Koreans, to reach agreement on the three-year-old issue. Since the decision to utilize the 38th parallel to facilitate the disarmament of the Japanese troops, said moderate MINJU ILBO (Democratic News), Korea, as well as many other places where there has been direct U.S.-Soviet contact, had "grown hotter" in the friction between the two ideologies. The result, it was asserted, is "political confusion and national poverty." Moderate CHA YOO SHIN MUN (Korean Free Press) summarized the causes for present U.S.-Soviet conflict (particularly the American economic aid program and the Berlin situation) and expressed the hope that means for an amicable resolution of differences between the two Powers would be evolved in the quadripartite discussions in Moscow. The editor stated that the continued division of Germany cannot be blamed on the Germans; Koreans are not responsible for the ever-tightening drawstring around the waist of their country. In both instances, conflict between the U.S. and the USSR is causing economic suffocation and grim political manifestations. Moderate HAN SUNG ILBO (Seoul Daily) also commented despondently on the malnutrition of the Korean people caused by the 38th parallel, the nation's "hardened artery." This paper, owned by AHN Chai Hong, former SKIG Civil Administrator, declared it was the "holy mission of the Korean people" to recover the original boundaries of their country. "A beautiful future adorned by modesty and cooperation" was awaited by writer of this editorial. Rightist KYENG HYANG SHIN MUN (Rural and Urban News) had an "unhappy feeling" that "auspicious clouds will hang over South KOREA." Despite the efforts of the "traitors" who perpetrated murder, violence, and destruction during the election period, said this Catholic organ, the National Assembly was formed, the President elected and the Ministers named. The nation is beset with difficulties, however, primarily in uniting the leadership of divergent factions. Reconciliation of the differences which have encouraged drastic partitioning in South Korean politics was urged by the editors. The paper was of the opinion that the acceptance of positions in the cabinet by LEE Chong Chun and North Korean refugee spokesman LEE Yun Yang were steps in the right direction. KIM Kyu Sik's action in denouncing the North Korean government and the plan to expel Communist-sympathizing members of the National Independence Federation would also tend to lessen the political rivalry in South Korea; for the sake of "the fatherland" the writer said that the nation would be "grateful if KIM Koo would also cooperate with the new government." E. SABOTAGE AND ESPIONAGE Negative 16 DECLASSIFIED Authority N[illegible]O745[illegible] President RHEE, you and the distinguished group which has been chosen to assist you in the leadership of this infant republic will face issues of the most complex nature known to political experience. The manner in which these issues are resolved will determine in large measure not only the unity and well being of your own people but also the future stability of the continent of Asia. I have faith in you and your countrymen and pray that Almighty God may sustain you in your hallowed task. *************** DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 R Inclosure #1 to XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S #153 18 ADDRESS BY LT. GEN. JOHN R. HODGE UPON THE OCCASION OF KOREAN CELEBRATION OF FORMATION OF GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA 15 August 1948 Mr. President, members of the Cabinet, distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen : Of the many celebrations I have attended since my arrival in Korea almost three years ago, I consider the one today to be the most significant and the one that will live longest in the memory of all of us present here. This celebration of the formation of the Government of the Republic of Korea on the third anniversary of VJ Day marks an outstanding achievement for the Korean people. The attitude of the United States toward this new Government was expressed in the statement made in Washington and released here last Friday, I quote: It is the view of the United States Government that the Korean Government so established is entitled to be regarded as the Government of Korea envisaged by the General Assembly Resolutions of November 14, 1947. Pending consideration by the General Assembly at its forthcoming Third Session of the report of the United Nations Temporary Commission on Korea, the United States, pursuant to its responsibility as occupying power, is sending to Seoul a Special Representative who will be authorized to carry on negotiations with that Government, in consultation with the United Nations Temporary Commission on Korea, concerning the implementation of the further provisions set forth in paragraph 4 of the second of the General Assembly Resolutions of November 14, 1947. As such Special Representative the President has named the Honorable John J. MUCCIO of Rhode Island, who will have the personal rank of Ambassador. All of us here today; Koreans, Americans and members of the United Nations Temporary Commission on Korea have traveled together in recent months over a tortuous and often confusing path. It is my deep conviction that we may take pride in the accomplishments we celebrate today. Working through democratic processes, self-government has been established for over two thirds of the Korean people. All of us here and throughout the free nations of the world hope and pray that it will soon be extended to all Koreans. In our celebration we must keep in mind that additional and difficult steps must still be taken in order to attain fully our mutual desires for a united and independent Korea as a member of the family of free nations. We must resolve to continue our resolute forward progress with no hesitation and no backward steps. I say we must do these things because the Koreans, the United Nations and the Americans must continue to work together to make this achievement a continuing success. The Koreans must stabilize their government by giving it complete and loyal support. They must use every means in their power to achieve and maintain unity among their people and unity of their land. Inclosure #2 to XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S #153 19 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 745070 The Koreans and Americans must work together and cooperate completely during the coming transition period to assure an orderly and progressive turnover of governmental affairs in the best interests of Korean unity, security and stability. I can promise that we Americans will do everything we can to assist in stabilizing the Korean Government until it completes its adjustment in internal and external affairs. Koreans and Americans all hope that the United Nations Temporary Commission on Korea will successfully complete the mission outlined by the United Nations General Assembly last November and reaffirmed by the United Nations Interim Committee last February. We also hope that the United Nations General Assembly will approve fully the important steps we have taken here since last January. Only by all-out effort, teamwork and mutual sympathy and understanding can all of us together carry out the task of maintaining the sovereignty of Korea free of foreign controls. The results we attain will have great influence on peace throughout the world. This ceremony marks the beginning of the turn-over of governmental functions to the new Korean Government in the area under United States control. In order to avoid serious disruption in the affairs of government and the lives of the people, this turn-over must be done working together in an orderly and progressive manner. Conferences between representatives of the United States and the South Korean Interim Government and representatives of the Government of the Republic of Korea on the turn-over will begin tomorrow under such observation of and consultations with the United Nations Commission as it wishes to carry out. Transfer of government administration from the South Korean Interim Government to the Korean Government will be completed as rapidly as possible consistent with uninterrupted functioning of all governmental and economic activities. A representative of the government of the United States with ambassadorial rank is at this time enroute from Washington to Korea to take over coordination of negotiations for the United States. He will arrive in a few days. Effective at midnight tonight, the United States Military Government in Korea ceases to exist and a Civil Affairs Section of the Headquarters of the United States Forces in Korea is established. The Civil Affairs Section will complete the turning over of essential controls to the new Korean Government, and will carry on residual duties of Military Government during the transition period. As Commanding General of the United States Forces in Korea, I reiterate the promise that the Americans here stand ready to do everything within their capabilities to assist the new government you have now established. Both officially as the United States Commander in Korea, and personally as a friend of Koreans, I express best good wishes that the Government of the Republic of Korea will have stability, long life, full support of the entire people of Korea and brilliant success in all its undertakings. ************** Inclosure #2 to XXIV CORPS G-2 W/S #153 20 DECLASSIFIED Authority NND745070