71. Telegram From the Commanding General, Eighth Army (White) to the Department of the Army 1

FM 912420 (DA IN 158511). Ref FM 912417.2 DTG 0605147. ROK activities on 6 Aug included series of demonstrations at Kunsan, Pusan, Kangnung, and Inchon. Demonstrations reportedly to continue daily until NNIT leaves. If NNIT do not leave by 14 Aug, ROK military reportedly will take action. Reportedly mass demonstration planned in Taegu for 7 Aug. Police and ROKA pers reportedly to participate in civilian clothes. Between 7–14 Aug at least 1000 people are to demonstrate at KMAG compound Taegu and throw rocks and lighted oil rags into compound. Anti-NNSC committee of police and political leaders has been selected. On 6 Aug ROKG delivered ultimatum to CINCFE and Swiss-Swedish NNSC secretariat stating NNSC must withdraw from ROK territory no later than 2400 hours 13 Aug.3 ROKG stated it cannot assume responsibility for any incidents involving NNSC members who fail comply. On 24 Jul Rhee reportedly directed all major decisions concern military be referred to Speaker Assembly Yi Ki-Pong. Presumably this would coordinate the military and the assembly to give impression full support of the ROK govt and people in any planned military action. On 30 Jul Chairman ROK JCS, Gen Yi Heung-Kun, reportedly conferred with Maj Gen Kim Sok-Pom, CG ROK Marine Corps. Gen Yi, in compliance with orders by Rhee, began preparations recover areas south 38 parallel by discussing such an operation with Gen Kim. It was decided 2 regiments First ROK Marine Div would attack through [Page 138] Kanghwa-Do and across Han River. Another regiment would be landed on southern portion Ongjin Peninsula. Gen Yi reportedly intended discuss these operations with JCS prior to Rhee’s announcement;4 however, announcement made 1 Aug instead 5 Aug. As previously reported, CG, First ROK Marine Div attended JCS meeting on 2 Aug.

Comment: ROK demonstrations expected to grow in intensity as ROK deadline for NNSC withdrawal approaches. Failure of NNSC to comply with ROK demands and unsatisfactory conclusions of current US-ROK economic negotiations could result in physical action against the NNSC. Unilateral military action against Communists in areas south 38 parallel not considered likely at this time. Possibility of ROK-created DMZ incidents to provoke Communists exists.

  1. Source: Department of State, NA Files: Lot 59 D 407, Defense Cables Aug–Dec 1955. Secret; Priority; Noforn. Sent from the Eighth Army G–2 for the Department of the Army G–2. Repeated to Tokyo for CINCFE and COMFEAF, and to COMNAVFE Japan.
  2. In telegram FM 912417, August 6, Eighth Army Intelligence reported the first indications of an organized anti-NNIT campaign. An anti-NNIT demonstration had been held at Kunsan on August 5 by labor union members, and reports indicated that similar demonstrations would be held at Inchon and Kangnung on August 6. (Department of Defense Files)
  3. Reported in telegram 157, Supra .
  4. Apparent reference to the August 2 statement issued by the Office of Public Information; see footnote 3, Document 69.