795B.5/8–950: Telegram
The Ambassador in Korea (Muccio) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 9—5:55 a. m.]
113. From Eighth Army advanced to SecState Wash DC. Repeated info Tokyo unnumbered. In hour’s conversation General Walker pointed up his command greatly handicapped this critical period by inability make use available Korean manpower, both partially trained, such as police and recruits, and very considerable number would be volunteers, owing lack weapons for either training or combat. Reinforcement ROK army greatly delayed for same reason at time ROK army steadily depleted by combat losses. Currently over 20,000 Korean soldiers under training of whom 5,000 capable entering combat immediately if Walker were able arm them.
No stocks weapons held in Korea; depots in Japan largely depleted. It seems imperative ZI arsenals should be required earliest supply infantry weapons for air lift Korea: rifles, carbines, light machineguns, mortars vitally needed here quickest possible time.
I urge Department take whatever measures possible emphasize to DA critical need for earliest possible action this regard. Advice on necessity for this action coincides with my own observations as well as urgent requests of ROK.1
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The Department of State sent the following reply in telegram 70, August 11, to the Embassy in Korea:
“Your urgent interest and that of Gen Walker in obtaining additional arms for ROK forces (urtel 113 Aug 9) has been discussed with Defense, which assures that everything possible being done get additional weapons to Koreans quickly as possible.” (795B.5/8–950)
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