740.00119 Control (Korea)/6–1646: Telegram
The Political Adviser in Korea (Langdon) to the Secretary of State
priority
[Received June 19—5:36 p.m.]
68–A. “Summary of conditions in Korea May 16 through 31:
1. Internal situation:
Koreans continue restive and unhappy following adjournment of Soviet-American Commission. During period possibility of establishment of separate South Korea Govt was subject of widespread discussion, Left-Wing elements remained silent for most part. Rhee faction has denied rptd Communist charge that it advocates establishment of separate govt, although unofficially it is known that Rhee has favored some form of limited South Korea assembly which he believes might present Korea’s case directly to United Nations, upon premise that Soviet-American Commission has completely broken down. Feeling persisted that conservatives would stand to gain by separate govt, as it might remove any future possibility of direct Soviet support. Indicating [Indications?] that Americans stood ready to resume talks [Page 705] with Soviets at any time tended to allay Left-Wing fears and suspicions in that direction. Eight-Wing party leaders continued to tour provinces and appeared to be gaining significant influence, particularly in southern part of American zone. Sequel to discovery of counterfeiting ring in Seoul on May 3, which had been operating in building housing Chikahwa Press and Communist Party Headquarters, was closing of this press, which printed Left-Wing newspaper Hai Bong Ilbo, for implication in counterfeiting ring, and repossession of entire building on May 31 by Mil Govt. Leftist papers expressed great indignation over whole affair denying any connection between crime and Communist Party, but refraining from directly criticising Mil Govt. However, considerable damage to Communist Party prestige has resulted from the counterfeiting incident. … Ordinance 88, requiring all Korean newspapers and periodicals to obtain individual licenses from Mil Govt for publication after June 30, was made effective May 29. Considerable criticism appeared in press, particularly Leftist, in which allegation was made that the freedom of press was being seriously interfered [apparent omission] Koreans, the writer of offending article in Rightist Dai Dong Ilbo which caused its suspension, and the publisher of newspaper were both given jail sentences and fines by military court. There was no significant disorder during period.
2. Economic conditions:
. . . . . . .
3. External relations:
Work of Soviet-American party [surveying?] 38 parallel was successfully completed by May 18. Heavy flow of Japanese refugees across boundary into Southern Zone has continued despite further protests of CG USAFIK to Soviet Commander; daily average in excess of 1,000 has been noted throughout May. Negotiations were also continued for delivery of fertilizer from North, but without definite results. Large inspired demonstrations on May 19 in ostensible protest against adjournment of commission and American stand were repeated from Pyongyang and other North Korean centers. General Soviet propaganda line followed appears to have been expressed in Izvestia article of May 16, which placed blame on US delegation for non-adherence to Moscow decision. Some evidence exists that Soviets are engaging in intensified campaign to elect Kim Il Sawng, President of proposed [so-called?] independent Government of North Korea. All indications point to ever-tightening Communist control over lives, property, and thoughts of North Korean populace through an elaborate expansion of Korean police and political agents, as well as peoples committees. North Korean police motor boat was intercepted by US troops near shore on east coast well south [Page 706] of 38 degrees on May 17. Korean crew was released following questioning. Soviet Commander lodged strong protest to which CG USAFIK replied, giving our version of incident. Further boundary violations took place May 23 when US submitted complaint claiming village was in their zone. Matter now under investigation.[”]