합동주간정보분석 제55호

FAR EAST COMMAND GENERAL HEADQUARTERS, [illegible] ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE RADIO AND CABLE CENTER TBB hjs **INCOMING MESSAGE** Secret PRIORITY TBB 16 Jan 49 FROM : GG USAFIK TO : DA (FOR INTELLIGENCE DIV, GEN STAFF, USA) INFO : AMA CHINA, CINCFE (G-2) NR : ZQEI 78 WEEKA Nbr 55, period 8 Jan to 15 Jan 49. Current. 1. Bakmung Sik, President of the Ba Shin Dep Store and reputed to be one of the richest men in Korea, was arrested for collaboration with the Japanese UP of the National Traitor Act. This was the first arrest made upon evidence furnished by the Special Investigation Committee, appointed by the National Assembly. Comment: Rakmungsi is not held in high regard by the Korean people and business men because of his notorious reputation as a pro-Japanese sympathizer during the Japanese occupation. He has attempted to counteract this reputation by forming an organization called the Hinghan Foundation, to which he personally has donated 100 million won. The object of this organization was to send young men to the US to study and bring back culture to Korea. He was avoided being molested here to fore by buying off various youth groups for "protection." 2. The Korean National Assembly reconvened on 11 Jan. In the opening session special committee reports were made on the Yosu rebellion, and a letter from President Rhee was read. The letter of the president protested a resolution passed by assembly recommending that he make certain cabinet changes on the grounds that the recommended action was unconstitutional. Comment: An examination of the constitution failed to reveal any section which would limit the authority of the National Assembly in the matter of the protested resolution. On 6 Jan a mail exchange took place between North and South Korea at Yohyon (940-1690). This exchange is the first (over) 28793 PRIORITY Secret Paraphrase not required. Handle as correspondence of classification carried hereon per paragraphs 51i and 60a, AR 380-5. 1560-A [illegible] 16—48710-1 GPO DECLASSIFIED Authority [illegible] NND 745020 33 6. Secret PRIORITY FROM : CG USAFIK NR : 2081 78 15 Jan 49 CONT'D to be conducted by Korean officials alone and was handled amicably. 4. President Rhee in a prepared statement on 7 Jan publicly denounced rumor spreading, particularly as applied to lack of harmony between him and other leaders in the administration. He denied stories to the effect that friction would result in new cabinet changes and gave particular attention to assuring the public that relations between him and Premier Lee Bum Suk were of the best. Comment: This is believed to be an effort on the part of Rhee to spread oil on troubled waters. Informed sources indicate that there is considerable real and continous friction between Rhee and the Premier as well as between Rhee and several other members of the cabinet. These differences have come into public view to such an extent recently that Rhee was compelled to counter with a statement. It is believed that some additional changes in the cabinet positions may be made in the near future and that the replacement of Le Bum Suk as Premier is still a possibility. 5. The appointment of Lee Ho as Chief of the Bureau of Public Peace was approved by the State Council on 7 Jan. Lee, who is 35 years old and a native of Kyangsung-Pukto, graduated from the Law School of Tgdro Imperial University in 1935. After a term in the Seoul Procurators office he was made Procurator of the High Court 1945, and in 48 he was appointed vice-chief of the Seoul Procurator office. Comment: This appointment fills the position vacated by Clough Byong Ok in Aug when he departed Korea to carry out his appointment as delegate to the UN Gen Assembly in Paris and to serve as roving good will Ambassador for President Rhee. The filling of this vacancy should serve to strengthen the National Police. 6. It is reliably reported that on 6 Jan representatives of the Hankook Democratic Party approached President Rhee with the proposition that, if he would appoint any of that party to the positions of Minister of Internal Affairs and Minister of National Defense, they would end their movement to revise the constitution. Rhee was said to have agreed to their proposal, and already he has appointed Kim Hyo Suk, Central Executive Committee member of the party, to the position of Vice-Minister of Internal Affairs. He further has attempted to persuade Lee Bum Suk to resign his position as Minister of National Defense without apparent success. 28793 PRIORITY Secret -2- DECLASSIFIED Authority EO 17052 8c3-402 NND 795020 FAR EAST COMMAND GENERAL HEADQUARTERS, [illegible] ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE RADIO AND CABLE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE SECRET PRIORITY FROM : CG USAFIK NR : ZGHI 78 16 JAN 49 CONT'D [illegible] Military. 1. With official recognition of the Korean Govt by the UN, the constabulary, which had its beginning on 15 Jan 46 as a Civil Security Force, has officially been designated the Korean Army by the Korean Govt. Comment: Future reports of this office will reflect this change. Security forces will hereafter be designated as the Korean Army (KA), Korean Coast Guard (KCG), the Korean Military Academy (KMA) and police. 2. Korean Army Units are making plans to witness demonstrations of the US 5th RCT in the near future as a part of their training schedules. 3. Definite progress is being made in the reserve program for the Korean Army. Initially there will be 9 Regimental Hq and 15 Battalions with a strength of 18,500 with an ultimate goal of 50,000. Training will utilize weapons of parent organizations and will consist of 2 weeks active duty followed by 4 hrs of drill weekly. 4. Trials of dissidents involved in the Yosu-Sunchon rebellion have been completed it was reported by Korean Army Hq on 10 Jan. A total of 2817 individuals were tried. Of this nbr 410 received the death sentence, and 563 were given life imprisonment. 5. The following new colonels were appointed in the Korean Army on 6 Jan: Ohkwang Sun-graduated from the Song Hung Military School in China and claims to have been a Maj Gen in the Kwangbok Army. He is a member of the Socialist Party. Kim Suk Won-a col in the Japanese Army which is alleged to have committed acts of cruelty while on the Chinese front. He is a member of the Korean Veterans Association and the Korean Independence Party. Ahn Byung Hun-a former col in the Japanese Army and a leader in the Korean Veterans Association. Lee Jurvshik-a graduate of the China Military School, was a field gr off in the Chinese Army. He was second in comd of the National Youth Corps under Lee Bum Suk. (over) 28793 PRIORITY Secret -3- DECLASSIFIED Authority [illegible] NND 745040 Paraphrase not required. Handle as correspondence of classification carried hereon per paragraphs 51f and 60a, AR 380-5. 1544-A 10-48710-1 GPO 16 Secret PRIORITY FROM : CG USAFIK NR : ZGBI 78 15 JAN 49 CONT'D Paikhong Suk-a former Lt Col in the Japanese Army. Kwon Jun-a former Maj Gen in the Chinese Army. Comment: The integration of these officers seems to be an attempt to bring into the Army men with previous military experience who have influence with various political parties and other organizations. The appointment of Kim Suk Won as a Col is expected to be viewed with disfavor by some Korean circles because of his alleged atrocities while a member of the Japanese Army in China. 6. Two members of the 8th Korean Army Regt on border night patrol in the Inje (1110-1700) area on 7 Jan inadvertently crossed the 38th Parallel and reached a North Korean police box where they surprised 6 men of the Self Guard Corps. Four of the North Koreans were taken prisoner; the other 2 escaped. 7. Korean Army Hq on 6 Jan reported that 1057 casualties, including 206 killed, 363 wounded and 488 missing, had been suffered in action against rebels during the period 1 Oct 48 to 25 Dec 48. During the same period there were 577 cases of desertion or absence without leave. 8. The dropping of 20,000 leaflets by the Korean Army on the Chiri-San (1070-1370) area on 27 Dec apparently had little effect on inducing the surrender of mutineers and to date only 2 men have voluntarily surrendered. The propaganda drop was predicated on the assumption that the remaining troops who defected during the Yosu-Sun Chon mutiny are suffering from exposure and supply shortages. Comment: The remaining rebels apparently are aware of the fate of their captured comrades. It is believed that the message may have had more effect if it had carried a safe conduct clause similar to that used by US Forces during the recent war. 9. Korean Army Hq released figures on 11 Jan on a partially-completed survey to determine the number of troops who have been imprisoned for disloyalty. Although there is a considerable amount of variation among units, the regimental average is 272. 10. Strength figures of Security Forces for the period: Police-38,040, Army-62,448, including 15,007 recruits, Coast Guard-3399. 28793 PRIORITY Secret [illegible] DECLASSIFIED Authority Ea [illegible] 902 NND 795020 FAR EAST COMMAND GENERAL HEADQUARTERS, [illegible] ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE RADIO AND CABLE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE FROM : GG USAFIK NR : ZGEX 78 16 JAN 49 CONT'D War potential. 1. The price of rice in Seoul averaged 750 won per small mal (16.5 lbs) on 14 Jan. 2. Monetary exchange rates on the same date were 1,100 won for 1 US silver certificate and 590 won for 1 ounce USTAR Military Payment Certificate. 3. Korean sources report that 2,796,309 huk office had been purchased by 12 Jan. This represents 37% of the quota. 4. The Dec monthly Economic Report of AMIK, released on 10 Jan, clarified basic fallacies which have caused the failure of the Governmental Grain Purchasing Program. Primary fault lies in the policy of setting landowners in a priviledged class and allowing them 3 months more in which to sell rice to the govt than other producers. This effect is clearly demonstrated by the fact that as of 23 Dec, when only 31.2% of the total goal had been attained, National Land Admin Farms had been 99.5% collected and tenant farms were 63.4% complete, while owner farms had reached only 16.4% of their goal. The seriousness of the trend is magnified when it is considered that 80% of the total purchase objective is allocated to landowners who may well largely dissipate their stocks before the 31 Mar deadline. Over-consumption and black market sales. In the field of industry the Economic Report singles out as a highlight the survey group. Initial reports of the experts have reflected gratification with the technical competence of Korean officials. Mining and electric power data is less encouraging. Established coal quotas were only slightly more than half met in Oct; and official figures show that coal mines have operated at a 1480 million won deficit since Apr 45. Electric power dropped from 66500 kilowatts in Nov to 59300 kilowatts in Dec, largely because of lagging production in the Yongwol (1140-1500) plant. The Korean financial picture continues black. Deficit spending in Dec was 470 million won, which raised the public debt to 3,979 million won. At the same time the national budget, which anticipated operating at a deficity of 15,438 million won during the current FY, appears to be over-optimistic (over) 28793 PRIORITY SECRET -3- DECLASSIFIED Authority EO 12058 Sec 3 402 NND 795020 Paraphrase not required. Handle as correspondence of classification carried hereon per paragraphs 51i and 60a, AR 380-5. 1549-A 16 Secret PRIORITY FROM : OG USAFIK NR ( 28BI 78 16 JAN 49 CONT'D because of flagging revenues. An interesting aide to the financial story is the relatively small dollar exchange value realized from remittances. This is clear indication of the expressed dissatisfaction of missionary groups with the current rate of conversion. Foreign trade balances continued unfavorable to Korea during Oct and Nov, with the full of exports going to the US and Japan. Subversive 1. During this period police and KA of Cholla-Namdo met in 5 engagements with rebels. In the fighting 18 rebels, 1 civilian and 1 soldier were killed and 1 policeman and 1 civilian wounded. 2. Rebels attacked 2 villages in Cholla-Namdo, leaving 5 villagers dead. One villager was kidnapped. 3. In an engagement between KA and rebels on Cheju-Do, 51 rebels and 2 KA were killed, and 10 KA were wounded. 4. In 2 attacks on villages and an attack on police in Chung Cong-Pukto 5 villagers were killed and 1 policeman injured. One policeman is missing. 5. One suspected Communist was killed in Kyongsang-Namdo when he attempted to wrest a carbine from a policeman. 6. Two incidents of North Korea Constabulary crossing the border occurred. In 1 foray 1 policeman was killed and 4 were wounded. 7. Delayed reports indicate 22 rebels and 4 KA men were killed in Cholla-Namdo, where 1 policeman and 1 local defense member were killed in Cungchong-Pukto. 8. A North Korean refugee, from Chorwon (1010-1720) who is a tailor by trade, reported that he had sewed insignia on a KA uniform which was in the possession of a non-commissioned officer of the North Korean Peoples Army. The soldier said he planned to cross the 38 parallel on an espionage mission. Psychological 1. The Korean press, avidly followed by the literate segment of the public, has poured out thousands of words in recent weeks in analyzing Koreas growing pains and objectively offering numberous solutions. The Cho Sun Ilbo on 6 Jan condemned that FACET of Korean nature which has prompted the establishment of countless political parties and their cross purpose principles. It pointed out that parties should work only for the people and better- 28793 PRIORITY Secret -5- DECLASSIFIED Authority EA 17050 8e3 402 NND 795020 FAR EAST COMMAND GENERAL HEADQUARTERS, [illegible] ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE RADIO AND CABLE CENTER PRIORITY FROM 1 CG U[illegible] **INCOMING MESSAGE** 49 CONT'D ment of the state and that to justify their existence they should either support the government or advocate constructive platforms. On the same day the Seoul Shin Moon attacked the same problem, Dear King the rise of political leaders whose only objective was self aggrandizement and who were not qualified by either inatiability or national spirit for public office. "Why is it so good to become officials?" The editorial, which went on to condemn that phenomenon of Korean character that motivates politicians to be satisfied with nothing less than personal participation in the government. The Kyung Hyang Shin Moon on 6 Jan propounded a similar theme when it advocated unity in South Korea the 1st step in affecting North-South unification. Placing responsibility squarely on the elected government, the newspaper said that warring factions should be amalgamated and the administration should take the lead in evolving a workable plan of union in which the UN Commission would render only subsidiary assistance. Comment: Whether it is the press or the administration which is bellwethering the unification trend, there are clear cut signs that consolidation is the present slogan. President Rhee personally is sponsoring the merger of 5 leading Youth Group. A nbr of National Assembly mem are attempting to bring Rhee and the 2 Kims into a mood for collaboration. Now, according to Dong A Ilbo on 5 Jan, the Militant North West Korean Youth Association, which had already agreed to the Youth Group merger, has evolved plans to swing members over 25 yrs of age into the Chosun Democratic Party. Part 2-North Korea Current: 1. Night of 19 Dec 48 county chairman North Korea Labor Party held conference Pyongyang (880-3820) in newly constructed Board of Education Building. Approximately 50 country chairman were present, chairman of the conference was Kim Chang Man. Conference called to discuss the framing of a resolution voicing unanimous opposition to entry of permanent UN commission to North Korea. Chairman Kim stated: "In order to keep the UN Commission from entering North Korea, money and force will be necessary." He proposed to the assembly that ea member of the North Korea Labor Party contribute 2,000 won and an unspecified amount of rice to the Armed Forces. This proposition was supported by 9 country leaders, party 28793 [OVER] PRIORITY Secret -7- **DECLASSIFIED** Authority E0 12058 207902 NND 795020 Paraphrase not required. Handle as correspondence of classification carried hereon [illegible] per paragraphs 51a and 60a, AR 380-5. 1500-A 16-48710-1 GPO 16 Secret PRIORITY FROM : CG USAFIK __ NR : 4GBI 78 __ 16 JAN 49 __ CONTD chief of the West Pyongyang RR spoke in opposition to the proposal. Said he: "Our monthly income is only 700 to 800 won and the monthly rice ration is sufficient only to feed our families for about 15 days." His remarks were instrumental in squelching the proposal by a vote of 38 to 9. Prior to the adjournment of the conference (0300 hrs 20 Dec 48) conference chairman Kim made a speech, the gist of which is given below: "The North Korean Govt had planned to attack South Korea in mid-Dec 48 following recognition of the Republic of Korea. For reasons unknown to chairman Kim the invasion was delayed but will be launched late in Jan 49. The 1st mission of the North Korean Armed Forces will be accomplished in 3 days after crossing the parallel, I. E., the capture of Seoul; and within 7 days after initial assault, all anti-North Koreans will have been eliminated and peace and order will prevail." (C-3) Comment: The discussion of opposition to the UN Commissions entering North Korea evidently bogged down because of the overly ambitious levy proposed by the chairman, though continued and concerted opposition is expected. The appraisal of the invasion plans by Chairman Kim appear optimistic but probably reflects the confidence all loyal party members have been told they have. Cite: (Kim Charg Man is listed as a member of the North Korea Labor Party and a representative at the North Korean Peoples Conference. A clerk by occupation, age 36, he still holds the post of propaganda chief of the Labor Party). See page 32, Korean personalities in North Korea. 2. A translation of a confidential document which originated in the hq of the Internal Affairs Dept, Korean Peoples Republic with the date of 15 Oct 48 gives an insight to the rigid control exercised over the North Koreans during the occupation period. The order was addressed to provincial heads of Internal Affairs Dept, and various other military addressees and prescribed the behavior to be observed by the Korean population during the Soviet withdrawal. Citizens were restricted as to travel and visits, and ordered to ignore certain offenses committed by the Soviets, such as drunkenness and larceny of household goods, etc. The order carried a para reading as follows: "Rumors and riots caused by rumors of Soviets raping Koreans will not be tolerated." This para, in conjunction with the other restrictions imposed by the order, suggests that even the crime of rape by 28793 PRIORITY Secret -8- DECLASSIFIED Authority EO 12058 9c3402 NND 795020 FAR EAST COMMAND GENERAL HEADQUARTERS, [illegible] ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE RADIO AND CABLE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE Secret PRIORITY FROM : CG USAFIK NR : ZGEI 78 15 JAN 49 CONT'D Soviets was to be ignored should it occur. (B-2). Comment: This order, if carried out in its entirety, constituted a most brazen affront to the North Korean citizens and gave the Soviet pers virtual carte blanche to loot, rape, and enjoy gen misconduct at expanse of the native population. Military. 1. Info dated 5 Jan 49 indicates that some Soviet Military Advisors have remained with Peoples Army Units. Prior to the departure of Soviet Tactical Units from North Korea, Soviet Military Advisors were assigned to Peoples Army Units down to company level. Since the withdrawal, Soviet Advisors have been eliminated from companies and are now present only down to battalion level. Source states there is 1 advisor, senior lt or occasionally a capt, with ea Peoples Army Bn; 4 advisors with ea Regt Hq and 10 advisors with ea Div Hq. Source did not know the breakdown of Soviet Advisors at div level. The following is the breakdown in Regt Hq: (A) Regt Comdr has a Soviet Lt Col acting as advisor. (B) Regt Chief of Staff has a Soviet Maj acting as advisor. (C) Regt Arty Comdr has a Soviet Maj acting as advisor. (D) Deputy for culture and political indoctrination has a Soviet Maj acting as advisor. In addition the Regt has assigned 2 to 3 Soviet NCO's who act as interpreters. These men attended a language course in Pyongyang during the occupation of North Korea by Soviet Forces. Deps are reportedly accompanying Soviet advisors; even those assigned to Peoples Army Units closest to the 38th Parallel. (F-6). Comment: The above info, although unconfirmed, represents the first indication received by this office that Soviet Military Advisors remained with Peoples Army Units. The fact that Soviet Advisors are present as far down as Bn[illegible] may be an indication that training has not progressed satisfactorily beyond the Battalion level. 2. An unidentified tank unit of the Peoples Army is reported to be stationed in the former Soviet 10th Mechanized area at Mirim-Ni. (F-1) it is rumored that 30 tanks are assigned to this unit. (over) 28793 PRIORITY Secret -9- DECLASSIFIED Authority EA 70056 dc-7-902 NND 795020 Paraphrase not required. Handle as correspondence of classification carried hereon per paragraphs 51/ and 60a, AR 380-5. 1540-A 16-48710-1 GPO 16 Secret PRIORITY FROM : CG USAFIK NR : ZGBX 78 16 JAN 49 CONT'D Additional credence is imparted to the above info by a report dtd 31 Dec 48 which states that the North Korean Labor Party is carrying on an intensive recruiting program for tank troops for a tank unit being organized in the former Soviet 10th Mechanized Div Area. Members of the party who have been driving trucks or cars are tested and those showing promise are enlisted in the Peoples Army as tank drivers. Employees of the Pyongyang Ord Factory are also being tested as to their knowledge of mechanics and if acceptable are recruited as mechanics for the new tank unit. (F-3) report further states that 200 medium tanks are at present in the area where the new tank unit is being organized. (F-6). Comment: First reports indicating that plans were under way for the possible formation of a tank unit in the Peoples Army, reportedly a regt, were received by this office during the latter part of Sep and early Oct 48. Although fragmentary and inconclusive they revealed that some 300 troops were being trained at Pyongyang under the supervision of a Soviet-Korean Lt Col who was reputed to have experienced tank warfare on the European front during World War II. Initial training consisted of lectures on armored vehicle tactics based on Soviet and Japanese manuals. (See WEEKS 40 and 41) On 10 Nov 48 30 T-34 tanks, manned by company grade Peoples Army officers, were observed maneuvering on a large oval training ground at Mirim-Ni. Soviet instructors were evident and training appeared to consist of familiarization with driving procedure. The source of this information also reports seeing what appeared to be a tank park consisting of 60 T-34 tanks at Mirim-Ni. However, whether the 30 observed maneuvering were drawn from this pool of 60 could not be determined. In addition it is not known if the 60 tanks had been turned over to the Peoples Army or were being readied by the Soviets for shipment. (WEEKA 50) To date all info points to the fact that organization of units in the Peoples Army is closely patterned after their Soviet counterparts. In view of this some significance, as yet inconclusive, maybe attached to earlier reports that the unit is of regimental size. The tank brigade of the old Soviet Tank Corps was equipped with 65 T-34 tanks. In the post-war revision of Soviet armored forces the tank corps of World War II was discarded by the Soviets and replaced by a tank div. The medium tank regt of this tank div is also equipped with 65 medium tanks. The report that 200 medium tanks are at present in the Mirim-Ni area cannot be reconciled by this 28793 PRIORITY Secret -10- **DECLASSIFIED** Authority EO 12058 Sec 3.402 NND 795020 FAR EAST COMMAND GENERAL HEADQUARTERS, [illegible] ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE RADIO AND CABLE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE SECRET PRIORITY FROM : CG USAFIK NR : ZGBI 78 16 JAN 49 CONT'D office; the more consistently reported number being 30 with the existing possibility of 60 (comparable to the number in the Soviet medium tank regt). Predicated on all info available to date this office accepts a tank unit, size and organization unknown, in the Peoples Army. This unit will tentatively be carried as located at Mirim-Ni. 3. High-ranking Peoples Army officers in Pyongyang were reportedly over heard discussing a forth coming meeting between officers of the Peoples Army and of the Dept of National Defense. The meeting was scheduled for 28 Dec 48 an the following subjects were to be discussed: (F-3). (A) Appointment of staff officers in the Dept of National Defense. (B) Report on the plan of the Peoples Army for 48 and discuss a plan for 49. (C) Survey the possibilities of forming 2 new divisions. Source further reports that the officers of the Peoples Army were extremely interested in the proposed meeting for the feeling was that the creation of 2 new divisions and/or the removal of high-ranking officers to staff the new dept offices would create new opportunities for promotion. (F-3). Comment: Whether the above meeting was held as scheduled cannot be confirmed by this office. The formation of 2 new divisions, if confirmed, would drain an additional 20 to 25,000 men from the available labor supply which is reportedly already low. (WEMA 41 and P/R 1602). 4. An unconfirmed report states that the Independent Brigade, Dept of Internal Affairs, Sinueuju (840-1780) was incorporated into the Peoples Army in Sep 48 and designated the Independent Brigade. The report states further that pers whose records showed they were Christians or had relatives in South Korea, were screened from the brigade before its transfer to the Peoples Army. This screened pers was retained in the Dept of Internal Affairs. Assigned to an unidentified border brigade in Chorwon (1010-1720). (F-5). Comment: This is the first report of the "Independent" Brigade, Dept of Internal Affairs being transferred to the (over) 28793 PRIORITY SECRET -11- DECLASSIFIED Authority EO 7050 Sec 3 902 NND 795020 Paraphrase not required. Handle as correspondence of classification carried hereon [illegible] per paragraphs 51i and 60a, AR 380-5. 1540-A 16 Secret PRIORITY FROM : CG USAFIK NR : [illegible] 78 16 JAN 49 CONT'D Peoples Army. Several fragmentary reports have been received indicating that units of the Independent Brigade were being deployed to the Korean-Manchurian border and to positions north of the 38th Parallel (WEEKA 44 and 45), however, until more definite info is received, this office will continue to carry the Independent Brigade under the Dept of Internal Affairs, with movement of the brigade from Bjinnumpo (840-1700) to unknown location. 5. The following reports on entrenchments and possible installation of anti-aircraft weapons have been received: On 18 Dec 48 installation of guns in the sand dunes along the seashore at Yong Dang Po (870-1690) was observed. Two guns are already emplaced and a third was being set up by the North Korean Coast Guard. Weapons are reportedly 45-MM, L-45 anti-aircraft guns. (C-6). Trenches are being dug in Salung Hyong on a 24 hr schedule by civilians. This project was started on 18 Dec 48 and at present time work is progressing in Hepyong-Ni (1060.8-1695.7), Hohyong-Ni (1063.6-1696.8) and Sangzombong-Ni (1067-1696.7). Trenches are 1 meter wide, 1 meter deep and 10 meters long, spaced 5 to 30 meters apart. (F-3). On 20 Dec 48 Peoples Army pers were observed at night digging foxholes and trenches along the seacoast south of the Haeju (870-1700) Airfield. Entrenchments are 300 meters from the shore and consist of 100 small trenches 6 ft long and 4 ft deep. (C-6). Comment: The above entrenching activities may be a result of the hysteria fomented by the North Korean Govt of a possible attack from the South. 5. Known desertions from North Korean Armed Forces for the week ending 8 Jan 49 numbered 1; a jr lt from the Peoples Army. (B-2). Comment: The deserter stated that the reason for leaving his organization was because he received info that he was to be arrested and interrogated for informing the men in his company of the UN recognition of South Korea. Mobilization potential. 1. The North Korean Govt is constructing a group of warehouses at Sopo at the junction (880-1850) of the Pyongyang (880-1880)-Sinuiju (760-1960) and Namposiu (955-2080) lines, located about 300 meters southeast of Sopo RR Sta. This group of warehouses consists of 28 buildings covering an area of 28793 PRIORITY Secret **DECLASSIFIED** Authority E.O. 17058 8c3 402 NND 795020 GENERAL HEADQUARTERS, [illegible] FAR EAST COMMAND ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE RADIO AND CABLE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE PRIORITY FROM: CG USAFIK TO: AGBE 73[illegible] 16 JAN 49 CONT'D 292,000 sq ft. The work was begun in early Dec 48 and scheduled for completion by the end of Dec 48. But due to transp difficulties and labor shortages, it will not be finished until early in 49. 600 freight cars of gravel from Sunan (870-1840) are necessary to finish construction. A railroad track has been laid in front of the building area. With the exception of Engrs, all labor has been recruited compulsorily from nearby villages, each household being ordered to furnish 1 laborer for 7 days. Local authorities state that these warehouses will be used for food-levy storage, but the local population believe that they will be used for storage of goods which the Soviets are planning to ship to the USSR. (B-6). Comment: This office has no info to further indicate whether these warehouses are being constructed to house food-levy stores or goods destined for Soviet consumption. 2. After all regularly assessed taxes had been paid, the North Korean Govt began, on 1 Oct 48, to collect additional retroactive taxes for the period Jan-Sep 48. Budgetary considerations was the reason given by the govt for the imposition of this new tax. This tax was, in many instances, larger than the capital most small business men had available. Stringent measures have been adopted to collect taxes with foreclosure of properties a common method of effecting the collection from those unable to pay in cash. Taxes for the third quarter of 48 have been increased as much as three times over amounts formerly paid for a quarterly period. Individuals engaged in business will have to pay monthly taxes, with 10,000 won the minimum amount collected per business. A total of 700 million won is scheduled to be collected under this new program. The city of Pyongyang has been assessed 100 and 70 million of this total amount. The total amount of currency in circulation in North Korea is reported to be 2 billion 600 million won. (E-5). Comment: This report, if true, represents a drastic action the part of the North Korean Govt for reasons that are open to conjecture. The words "Budgetary considerations" could mean: (over) 28793 PRIORITY Sec[illegible] -13- DECLASSIFIED Authority EO 12058 Sec 3.4(2) NND 795020 Paraphrase not required. Handle as correspondence of classification carried hereon [illegible] per paragraphs 51/ and 60a, AR 380-5. 540-A 16 Secret PRIORITY FROM : CG USAFIK NR : ZOHL 78 16 JAN 49 CONT'D (1) That the Peoples Army was to be bolstered immediately and substantially; (2) That the North Korean Govt had failed woefully in anticipating its expenditures; (3) That orders had been received from Moscow to proceed with the function of eliminating individual ownership of business. Psychological. Paramount in the Propaganda issue by rad Pyongyang during this period in the continued attack against the "American Imperialists" for retaining troops in South Korea. The theme has not changed: "American Imperialists" are trying to colonize South Korea and have begun by seizing police and Army power in South Korea; they have gained control of South Korean Economy through the deployment of the ERI aid agreement; and are continuing to terrorize the people. The execrations have become more frequent in in broadcasts as well as more intensified, and for the first time serious name-calling was noted in said rad Pyongyang: "Peoples of South Korea had to welcome the New Year with things like imprisonment, massacre and torture. Needless to say, this is due to the fact that the reactionary and pro-Japanese gangs who are trying to sell the fatherland to the American Imperialistic bastards (ITC) are still not wiped out of our land. South Korean traitors can retain their lives only during the American occupation. Our independence can be achieved only after the American withdrawal." Comment: This type of anti-American propaganda is not new to listeners familiar with other Moscow controlled radios. These broadcasts are prepared by the same group of writers that write scripts for Eastern Germany and Balkan States. One possible reason for the increased temper of vilification of the American forces could be to draw the North Korean Peoples attention from their own plight or life enable police state by painting South Korea as a virtual dantes inferno under American rule. Since the first of 49 rad Pyongyang has veered slightly from its persecution of the Govt of the Republic of Korea to concentrate its heaviest attacks against the Americans. The intelligence that "independence" can be obtained only after the withdrawal of American Forces from South Korea is a new line of thought, as previous propaganda has indicated that the unification could proceed in spite of American occupation. NO SIG 28753 PRIORITY Secret -14- DECLASSIFIED Authority EO 12058 Sec 3.402 NND 795020 GENERAL HEADQUARTERS, FAR EAST COMMAND [illegible] ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE RADIO AND CABLE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE PRIORITY FROM : CG USAFIK NR : ZRET 7[illegible] 16 JAN 49 CONT'D INFORMATION : COMMANDER IN CHIEF, CHIEF OF STAFF, G-2, G-3, AG, DIPLOMATIC, JBPOG NOTE : Duty Officer Signal Message Center states this message delayed due to service. 28793 PRIORITY TOO : 150250 Z SECRET NMR : 93726 -15- DECLASSIFIED Authority EA/2059 8-2-[illegible] NND 795040 Paraphrase not required. Handle as correspondence of classification carried hereon [illegible] per paragraphs 51[illegible] and 60a, AR 380-5. [illegible] 10-48710-1 GPO 미국자료 V 385