795.00/12–1850: Telegram
The Ambassador in Korea (Muccio) to the Secretary of State
priority
[Received December 18—1:41 p. m.]
585. Eighth Army and ROK forces remain out of contact with Chinese Communist forces (Embtel 575, December 15 and previous). Tenth corps continues withdrawal from Hungnam with increasing CCF pressure reported. Eighth Army still without firm evidence CCF have penetrated south of Pyongyang in any appreciable numbers. Unconfirmed reports suggest small groups CCF may have been in Sariwon and Namchonjom. Patrols operating as much as 30 miles north 38th parallel on east coast have found neither CCF nor North Korean forces. However, build up of North Korean forces north of Chunchon appears to be proceeding. North Korean prisoners taken in this area recently state it mission of North Korea to hold vicinity of 38th parallel pending arrival of CCF.
Vehicular activity between Manchuria and Pyongyang area remains heavy with heaviest concentration on Huichon–Anju Road. Last night when visibility good total of 600 vehicles were observed from air of which about 450 were moving south. Only negligible motor traffic has thus far been witnessed south of Pyongyang. Considerable traffic also observed last night on road leading down east coast from maritime provinces.
Hostile aircraft continue to offer opposition in Sinuiju area. On December 15, 4 UN craft clashed with 10 Mig’s for 20 minutes, one of latter being damaged. Yesterday F–86’s in action for first time, had encounter with 4 Mig’s. Two of latter were damaged and probably downed.