740.00119 Control (Korea)/5–2246
The Political Adviser in Korea (Langdon) to the Secretary of
State
restricted
Seoul, May 22, 1946.
[Received June
6.]
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith, as
of possible interest to the Department, a copy of a special press
release made by the Commanding General, U.S. Army Forces in Korea, on
May 15, 1946, concerning the suspension of the extreme rightist
newspaper, Dai Dong Ilbo,3 for a period of three weeks. There is also
enclosed a copy of the offending editorial published by the Dai Dong Ilbo.4
It is believed that the action of the Commanding General in this instance
will materially assist in showing the public that the American military
forces in south Korea are making a sincere effort to be impartial in
their control over newspaper articles and public utterances which are
considered inimical to law and order and to good relations with the
Soviets. There has been relatively little local press comment, either
adverse or favorable, to the action of the Commanding General in this
matter.
Respectfully yours,
For the Political Advisor
Arthur B. Emmons,
3rd
Foreign Service
Officer
[Enclosure]
Special Press Release by Lieutenant General John
R. Hodge, May 15, 1946
Lt. General John R. Hodge, Commanding General, United States Army
Forces in Korea, today made the following statement in regard to
suspension of the Dai Dong Press:
“As I have pointed out repeatedly, it has been my fixed purpose to
foster complete freedom of the press here in southern Korea. I
realize that it is no easy task suddenly to acquire this freedom and
to exercise it without abuse. By and large, the press of southern
Korea has exercised its liberty with a gradual increase in maturity
and intelligence. However, I regret to state that some organs of the
press of various shades of opinion have frequently abused their
rights, have slandered members of the Allied Nations, have violated
the elementary rules of libel and have on occasion tried to incite
the public to hatred and violence including murder and have praised
attempts at murder.
The right of free press involves reciprocal obligations. These
obligations are not fulfilled when an organ of the press
consistently inflames the public mind with falsehoods, encourages
criminal acts or abuses and libels foreign powers. Under normal
circumstances, such acts would be dealt with in courts of law, but
until Korea attains full independence, recourse to the courts is not
always possible. I must, therefore, take upon myself the unpleasant
task of punishing offenders in my capacity as Commander of the
American Occupation Forces.
In spite of repeated specific warnings over a period of several
weeks, one organ of the Korean Press has signally failed to show
understanding of its responsibilities as a member of the fraternity
of the free press. I have today issued orders suspending the Dai
Dong Press for a period of three weeks with a warning that if upon
resumption of publication it does not demonstrate a proper
responsibility and does not show better international and local
manners, I shall suspend publication altogether.
At the same time, I take this opportunity of warning publicly other
offending organs which are abusive, libelous, and inaccurate in
their reporting and editorials. I wish it fully understood that the
growing campaign of libelous abuse and deliberate inaccuracy in
certain other organs of the press must cease.
It is pointed out that this action in suspension is separate and
distinct from any legal action that may be taken for specific
violations.”
