740.00119 Control (Korea)/11–245: Telegram
Lieutenant General John R. Hodge to General of the Army Douglas MacArthur, at Tokyo
Tfgcg 138. Communistic activities are reaching point where they may gain control unless positive action is taken. Am sure most radical elements are Russian instigated but cannot get positive proof.
Activities are hampering efforts to establish sound Korean economic system and a foundation upon which there can be established an independent government. Communist propaganda is so insidious and well handled as to have influenced materially American press at times in criticism of US efforts in southern Korea. When it becomes necessary to take drastic action, it may be expected it will be followed by a flood of wails both by Korean and Russian Communists and by American press against discrimination, suppression of “civil liberties” etc.
My observation leads me to believe that Koreans basically do not favor or want Communism and that the great majority are actually nationalists. The entire activity has the smell of being agitated by a well trained group of outside experts. Am doing all I can to avoid a real crack down but may be forced to such action.
New subject: Information revealed here strengthens belief that Soviets are forming a Korean army north of 38 degrees arming with Japanese weapons.