740.00119 Control (Korea)/2–1848: Telegram
The Acting Political Adviser in Korea (Langdon) to the Secretary of State
priority
[Received March 6.]
93. Cite Zpol 275. Reference Seoul PolAd No. 92, February 17, from Mitchell.1 General Hodge addressed following letter, dated February 17, to Guard Lieutenant General G. P. Korotkov, Commanding General, Soviet forces in North Korea, Pyongyang, Korea, which is being delivered probably late today by American liaison officer now en route Pyongyang:
“Dear General Korotkov: I have been informed by Major Richard C. Biggs, one of my liaison officers at your headquarters, of a series [Page 1118] of incidents which occurred on the morning of 18 [8] February 1948, and which were reported to your chief of staff, General Shanin, by letter dated 9 February from Major Darrell G. Costello.
The incidents involved Korean civilians, Korean constabulary men and officers of the so-called Korean People’s Army for whose conduct you are responsible. The incidents were observed by various Soviet army officers and enlisted personnel who took no action although they know that you are responsible for the protection of my liaison officers from all manner of rowdyism.
These incidents constitute insult to the United States Army as well as to its accredited representatives.
I insist that you immediately make an investigation of the conduct of the Korean and Soviet army personnel involved and punish those who are guilty. I further insist that you give me adequate assurance that such incidents will not happen again.
In the meantime, this matter is being referred to my government for appropriate action.
Respectfully, John R. Hodge, Lieutenant General U. S. Army, Commanding.”
Information that General Hodge has made protest is being released to press late today. In light of last paragraph, Department may wish lodge formal protest in Moscow.
- Not printed. Reginald P. Mitchell, Assistant to the Special Assistant to the Secretary of State for Press Relations (McDermott), was detailed on January 19 to UNTCOK.↩