895.00/12–348: Telegram
The Special Representative in Korea (Muccio) to the Secretary of State
256. Cite Zpol: 2010. Diversionary elements from North Korea in increasing numbers have been entering Charwon province clandestinely recently. During past two weeks 200 arrests have been made.
Interrogation of prisoners indicates that approximately 80 percent of those arrested are members South Korean Labor Party, remainder North Koreans, that they have been indoctrinated in special political and propaganda school in Pyongyang area which has had an enrollment of nearly a thousand students, including some 50 women, and that guerrillas have been formed into battalions of three companies of approximately 60 men each. Equipment consists of Japanese rifles and ammunition with rations and money furnished by North Korea. Prisoners state that their mission is to get in contact with representatives of South Korea Labor Party and promote Communism through [Page 1335] recruiting of new members, by creating disturbances, and by perpetrating acts of violence.
Demonstrations reportedly scheduled for this week in South Korea have not materialized, and no significant incidents have been reported.
In Cholla Namdo police and constabulary broke up on November 19 at Kurye last important known group, and are in full control situation and are now mopping up and disarming remnants.
Cross-examination of captured agents reveals following objectives of North Korean authorities for territory of South Korea: (A) dissemination of North Korea Labor Party propaganda; (B) completion of Communist Party organization; (C) overthrow of Korean Government; (D) assassination of prominent rightists.
These items have been on Communist agenda since elections last May.
Collaboration between police and constabulary continues to improve and Korean security forces would appear able from now on to cope with guerrillas and agents from north, except an armed invasion.
Dept. pass GADel Paris.1
- This was done December 4.↩