740.00119 Control (Korea)/3–846
Mr. Max W. Bishop, of the Office of the Political Adviser in Japan, to the Secretary of State
No. 292
[Received March 16.]
Sir: I have the honor to report that, according to information gathered by American military authorities, Russian forces in Northern Korea are now in position to move rapidly, and to reinforce at any point quickly in Northern Korea if future action should be planned.
In this connection there is enclosed a summary of information64 obtained regarding Russian activities in Northern Korea. Apparently the Russians went to great lengths to cloak their recent movements in a veil of secrecy. Centers of activity mentioned in the summary of the report are located on the North–South railroads and on or near good highways leading into Southern Korea. Although it is only reasonable and good military tactics for the Russian commanders to provide against any American capability, it is impossible to imagine what indications have been discovered by Soviet intelligence in Korea to justify estimates of a situation requiring such extensive preparations as have been made for offensive operations.
Attention is invited to the reports that there has been an accelerated drive to evacuate capital goods, reported as nearly completed on February 10; that Russian attitude toward the Japanese has changed markedly, resulting in greatly improved living conditions; that Communist schools are teaching “revolutionary doctrine, anti-Americanism, the greatness of the USSR, the necessity for the destruction of the U.S., and that the USSR is the only country capable of defeating the U.S.”; and that reportedly a Russian officer stated the conquest of Southern Korea can be completed in five days.
Respectfully yours,
Foreign Service Officer
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