The military situation in Korea, stemming from political and
economic disputes which in turn are accentuated by the artificial
barrier along the 38° North parallel, is potentially dangerous
to United States strategic interests. Large-scale Communist
inspired or abetted riots and revolutionary activities in the
South are a constant threat. However, American forces supplemented
by quasi-military Korean units are adequate to cope with such
trouble or disorder except in the currently improbable event of an
outright Soviet-controlled invasion. Whereas American and Soviet
forces engaged in occupation duties in South Korea and North Korea
respectively are approximately equal, each comprising less than
50,000 troops, the Soviet-equipped and trained North Korean People’s
(Communist) Army of approximately 125,000 is vastly superior to the
United States-organized Constabulary of 16,000 Koreans equipped with
Japanese small arms. The North Korean People’s Army constitutes a
potential military threat to South Korea, since there is strong
possibility that the Soviets will withdraw their occupation forces,
and thus induce our own withdrawal. This probably will take place
just as soon as they can be sure that the North Korean puppet
government and its armed forces which they have created, are strong
enough and sufficiently well indoctrinated to be relied upon to carry
out Soviet objectives without the actual presence of Soviet troops.
It appears advisable that the United States organize, equip, and
train a South Korean Force, similar to the former Philippine Scouts.
This force should be under the control of the United States military
commander and, initially should be officered throughout by Americans,
with a program for replacement by Korean officers. It should be
of sufficient strength to cope with the threat from the North. It
would counteract in large measure the North Korean People’s Army
when American and Soviet forces are withdrawn from Korea, possibly
preclude the forcible establishment of a Communist government, and
thus contribute toward a free and independent Korea.
PART IV—CONCLUSIONS
The peaceful aims of freedom-loving peoples in the world are
jeopardized today by developments as portentous as those leading to
World War II.
The Soviet Union and her satellites give no evidence of a
conciliatory or cooperative attitude in these developments. The
United States is compelled, therefore to initiate realistic lines of
action in order to create and maintain bulwarks of freedom, and to
protect United States strategic interests.
The bulk of the Chinese and Korean peoples are not disposed to
Communism and they are not concerned with ideologies. They desire
food, shelter, and the opportunity to live in peace.
CHINA
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