795.00/8–1850: Telegram
The Chargé in Korea (Drumright) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 18—12:30 p. m.]
1. Rhee returned from Chinhae to Taegu this morning just before noon. Ambassador Muccio conferred with him at his request. Apart from showing displeasure at manner in which removal of civil officials was being conducted Rhee appears to have come here solely to show he had not run out on Taegu populace. He accepted Ambassador’s invitation to accompany latter on NA plane to Chinhae and Pusan which left here about 2 p. m. Stewart, Prendergast, Berry, Wilson, Harris, Lorence, Naval Attaché Sifert and Marine guard Edwards left today either by rail or highway for Pusan where Embassy’s main office being established. FSR Noble went by road to Chinhae where he will maintain contact with President and Mrs. Rhee pending their going to Pusan.
[Page 605]Contrary to 8th Army expectations and desires, provincial governor this morning distributed handbill ordering Taegu civilians to evacuate to selected areas to southeast. Following strenuous protest by army some steps were taken to rectify this mistake which by noon resulted in mass exodus and closing of great majority shops. By evening, however, as result radio and other public exhortations by Prime Minister and Home Ministers and better turn in military situation many evacuees were returning to homes in city.
Many ROK civil employees left today by highway for Pusan. About 500 others including Assembly, are expected to leave by train tomorrow. UN liaison group less military observers left this morning for Pusan as did members Chinese Embassy and British Legation. Following Embassy staff remains here: Military Attaché Edwards, Fatigati, Scherbacher, Jacoby, Floyd, Marine guard Goff.