740.00119 Control (Korea)/8–1747: Telegram
The Political Adviser in Korea (Jacobs) to the Secretary of State
278. Zpol 1035. Reference mytel 277, August 15.69 Liberation Day celebrations on 15th in the provinces passed off without any serious outbreaks. Two persons reported killed with minor clashes in six places which reveals less disturbance than usual. Comparatively peaceful [Page 755] character of celebrations believed due to arrests several days prior to 15th which made it clear that authorities would not stand for violence. Also knowledge of American Government’s refusal to acquiesce in Soviet efforts to have their way in the Joint Commission may have had soothing effect as rightists have become jubiliant and leftists less bold over this development.
Civil administrator Ahn Jai Hong accompanied by Mayor Kim and police chief Cho attempted to call on General Shtikov on morning 16th August to apologize for booing which he received at celebration in Seoul on 15th but Shtikov refused to see them. Members of the Northwest Young Men’s Association which led booing against Shtikov are composed largely of youths who escaped from North Korea and are, as result of their experience, very bitter against the Russians.
- Not printed; it gave details of the celebration on August 15 at Seoul (740.00119 Control (Korea)/8–1547).↩