295B.1122/6–2650: Telegram
The Ambassador in Korea (Muccio) to the Secretary of State
priority
[Received June 26—6:14 a. m.]
953. Embtel 945, June 26.1 SS Reinholt, Norwegian flag, with 682 dependents on board, departed Inchon harbor this afternoon en route Fukuoka unless destination changed at request to occupation authorities. Request SCAP contact vessel and arrange receive evacuees. Evacuation went off smoothly and without incident, with much credit due KMAG and JAS officers who supervised operation.
There remain in South Korea approximately 300 potential dependent evacuees, including non-Americans, most of whom would find easiest to evacuate through Pusan. Approximately 175 of these dependents, including 156 Americans, are now concentrated Pusan. It is estimated that, in addition, another 50 may now be in transit to Pusan from various southern and western areas. No firm decision has been taken to carry out mass evacuation through Pusan. At present, four merchant vessels are available in Pusan harbor for evacuation purposes, and with other vessels calling regularly, passage appears to present no problem.
Sent CINCFE; repeated info Manila 42.