극동사령부 군사정보국 정보요약보고

1949. 05. 09. 극동사령부 군사정보국 정보요약보고 Military, Political, Economic, Social Situation, Press Review, Civil Intelligence, Miscellaneous Selected Items for the Information of Commanders and Staffs of the Far East Command 9 May 49 No. 2434 POLITICAL REPORT 1. Recent Developments: e. Retention of U.S. Troops Advocated: A joint society of rightist groups headed by President RHEE, reportedly is preparing posters which advocate delay in the anticipated withdrawal of U.S. troops from Korea. The posters will be distributed in Seoul, prior to the 10 May anniversary of the United Nations supervised elections, which led to the establishment of the South Korean Republic. Statements on the posters will urge that U.S. troops remain in South Korea until the departure of Soviet forces from North Korea has been confirmed or until the future of the Republic has been safeguarded. They will also demand abrogation of the United Nations veto power and will announce a mass meeting which will be held on 10 May, in commemoration of the 1948 elections. (B-2)(a) Source Comment: President RHEE and his followers, concerned over Communist victories in China and the instability of their own government, probably are planning a scheme to secure public support for the retention of the stabilizing influence of U.S. troops, and to forestall a probable future collapse of the shaky RHEE government. (a) b. Attack on North Korea Rumored: Rumors to the effect that some South Korean Government officials are planning an invasion of North Korea, before the departure of U.S. troops, are circulating among troops of the South Korean Army. The planned invasion is said to be predicated on the reasoning that Chinese Communist troops will soon become available to assist the North Koreans and that there is a better chance of involving the U.S., in the struggle, if U.S. troops are on the scene. (B-3)(a) Comment: Although the information concerning an invasion of North Korea is unconfirmed, it is possible that some South Korean officials feel that their terms of office will be limited should U.S. tactical forces be withdrawn, as rumored. c. Election Scheduled for Cheju Island: During the 10 May 1948 election, extensive disturbances occurred on Cheju Island including attacks on voters and polling booths. Election results were declared void, and since that date, two seats in the National Assembly have been held vacant for Cheju Island representatives. An election to fill the seats is scheduled for 10 May 1949. A committee of the United Nations Commission on Korea (UNCOK) was scheduled to depart for Cheju Island, on 8 May, to supervise the election. CHANG Taik Sang, former minister of Foreign Affairs in President RHEE's Government, reportedly will run for a seat in the Assembly as a representative from Cheju Island. (a) Comment: Extensive military operations have been conducted against guerrilla forces on Cheju Island for several months and the Korean Army has reported marked success in quelling guerrilla activities. Apparently the South Korean Government and UNCOK now feel that the situation on the Island is conducive to a free atmosphere for an election. d. President RHEE Completes Tour: President RHEE has returned from a 1,500 mile good will tour of the southern provinces of South Korea. During his trip, the chief executive made 20 scheduled speeches to crowds totaling nearly a million persons. (B-2)(a) Comment: Apparently President RHEE is attempting to increase his populari- ty with people of the southern provinces. These provinces have been the scene of most of the dissatisfaction which has been demonstrated against the RHEE Government. (a) USAFIK Weeka 71, 7 May 49 - 4 - S E C R E T DECLASSIFIED Authority E.O. 12D65 612 제주4·3사건 추가진상조사자료집 7