501.BB Korea/2–1848: Telegram
The Acting Political Adviser in Korea (Langdon) to the Secretary of State
96. Pol 1638. From Mitchell for Schuler.1 Following is statement by Lieutenant General John R. Hodge, Commanding General United States Army Forces in Korea, issued here tonight.
“The United Nations Temporary Commission on Korea, through its subcommittee II, desired to make contact, if practicable, with the following persons in the fulfillment of its task of consulting with all sections and shades of Korean opinion: Mr. Huh Hun, Mrs. Yoo Yawng Choon, Mr. Paik Yong Hi, Mr. Kim Won Bong, and Mrs. Haw Sawng Taik.
Although the first named, Mr. Huh Hun, is wanted by the Korean police for the offense of instigating riots in South Korea, the authorities will suspend the order of arrest for a period of time from 19 February to include 28 February, to permit his appearance before subcommittee II of the United Nations Temporary Commission of Korea.
No order of arrest exists or is contemplated at present in the cases of Mrs. Yoo, Mr. Paik, or Mr. Kim. Arrangements are being made for [Page 1119] UNTCOK interview with Mr. Haw if he so desires. He is at present serving sentence following conviction in Seoul District Court, and is due for release on 19 February.
It is directed that every effort shall be made by all concerned to insure that no retaliatory action is taken by political opponents against any of the persons named.”
VOUSA can capitalize on this with interpretive comment stressing as further evidence US full cooperation with UN. Huh Hun is chairman South Korean Labor Party and chairman Democratic People’s Front while others are leaders in various other labor, farm, et cetera groups. All are Communists.
- Frank A. Schuler, Jr., Associate Chief of Area Division V (Occupied Areas).↩