740.00119 Control (Korea)/7–847: Telegram
The Political Adviser in Korea ( Jacobs ) to the Secretary of State
priority
Cite Zgbi 866. In addition to seclusion of the railroad station during the arrival and departure of the American delegation to the Joint Commission in Pyongyang, other preparations were made for their stay. The liaison officer reports that searches for weapons were made of passengers on streetcars, and that all pedestrians who happened to come in contact with members of the American party were subject to arrest or close interrogation. The Department of Education is reported to have issued instructions that no school child would ride in any American vehicle, accept any candy or other presents from military or civilian members of the party, nor would greet them in any way, and that they would not display the American flag. Further, with the arrival of the delegation, it was directed that a program involving this propaganda be initiated in the schools.
During the parade held to welcome the Americans several arrests were made for allegedly cheering the American-Russian Commission rather than reversing the title. The members of the Korean staff of the liaison section, and the interpreter of General Brown were both molested by police, apparently for their association with Americans.
Additional steps taken were banning all gatherings of more than three persons during the sessions, ordering all persons to arrange for new prosperous looking white clothes, and the release of large quantities of polished rice to the market for the first time in over 7 months. This rice, released the day before arrival, was reported to be the first available on the market in 2 months and resulted in a large price drop. It disappeared with the departure of the delegation.
Consensus of opinion indicates Soviet soldiers appeared less neat and soldierly than did natives in People’s Army. Our soldiers were superior in dress, neatness and courtesy.
School children in Catholic school were divided into groups and searched by police to insure they had not been issued “reactionary” pamphlets to take home to their parents.
[Page 696]While courtesy was the general rule, all members of the delegation were subject to constant (and obvious) surveillance.