197. Editorial Note
The Korean National Assembly addressed the issue of the Homeland Reserve Force in early May 1968. The opposition New Democratic Party had already publicly recorded its opposition, expressing fears that the force could be used for political purposes and stating that existing military and police units were sufficient to meet threats from the North. (Airgram A–480 from Seoul, March 28; National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 12 [Page 424] KOR S; and telegram 6054 from Seoul, May 2; ibid., POL 23–3 KOR S) After attempts to reach a compromise on the issue failed, the New Democratic Party boycotted the National Assembly, leaving the matter to the Democratic Republican Party to debate and pass. The Assembly passed modified legislation creating the Homeland Reserve Force on May 10. (Telegrams 7031, May 6, and 7144, May 10, from Seoul; both ibid., POL 23–3 KOR S) The legislation incorporated several provisions proffered by the opposition party, such as giving the police rather than the military authority over the unit and preventing the unit from participating in political activities. (Telegram 7144 from Seoul, May 10; ibid.) The Embassy prepared a detailed summary of the legislation that outlined and analyzed its provisions. (Airgram A–604 from Seoul, May 23; ibid.)