795.00/12–2150: Telegram
The Ambassador in Korea (Muccio) to the Secretary of State
priority
[Received December 21—1:54 p. m.]
602. Korean Army has instituted inquiry into conduct of executions in British area yesterday, has given assurances to British Chargé will be no further executions in British area, and that lieutenant in charge firing party is being held for court martial proceedings. Embassy officer examined court martial records yesterday’s executions.
58 persons condemned to death by Military Court (57 for espionage and 1 for murder) were to be shot yesterday; 20 were shot before British stopped proceedings, remainder were returned to West Gate Prison. Of total 4 were women, youngest being 29; youngest man was 20. All executions now suspended pending investigation procedure and review of cases.
President issuing proclamation tomorrow announcing extensive amnesty effective December 23, is expected reduce prison population by between 30–50%. Wiring separately.
Minister Justice and Home Minister appeared before UNCURK this afternoon, made oral statements similar to that in Justice Ministry release (Embtel 600, December 20 [21]1) and announcing details amnesty program. UNCURK will make press release shortly describing same.2
Justice Ministry arranging with EUSAK for transportation for 2900 major criminals from Seoul to Taejon and Taegu prisons within next few days. Will leave approximately 2,000 ordinary criminals in prison here.
Repeated info Tokyo unnumbered.