895.00/11–1047: Telegram
The Political Adviser in Korea (Jacobs) to the Secretary of State
467. Cite Zpol 1364. See Seoul PolAd No. 450, October 28.60 Our liaison officers at Pyongyang have recently been restricted in their movements and kept under more strict surveillance. By way of explanation our officers have been told that Major Kormishev, Soviet liaison officer in Seoul, is constantly followed in Seoul and his movements restricted to the city.
There is reason to believe that the Soviets are moving heavy material such as trucks, weapon carriers, jeeps and gasoline tank trucks northward from Pyongyang although there is little evidence of the departure of personnel. It seems therefore that the Soviet military establishment in North Korea is stripping down to bare essentials in preparation for rapid evacuation of personnel if that course should be decided upon.
During the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the October revolution on November 6 and 11, in which Generals Korotkov and Lebedev took the leading parts, definite effort was made to elicit information from our officers as to whether or not the American Army is leaving South Korea.
At these celebrations, Kim Il Sung was conspicuous by his absence. It was explained that he had been recently operated upon and was in the hospital. The honor seat was given to Kim Doo Bong.
It was also noticed that Mister Shabshin had returned to Pyongyang. However, General Shtikov and Mister Tounkin were not observed at any of these celebrations and the belief is that they have gone to Moscow.
- Not printed.↩