705.00/5–451
Memorandum of Conversation, by Windsor G. Hackler of the Bureau of Far Eastern Affairs
Subject: Briefing of Ambassadors on Korea
| Participants: | Australia | —Mr. Moodie, Counselor and Mr. McNichol, Second Secretary |
| Belgium | —Mr. Rothschild, Counselor | |
| Canada | —Ambassador Wrong | |
| Colombia | —Dr. Mejia-Palacio | |
| Ethiopia | —absent | |
| France | —Mr. Fequant, Second Secretary | |
| Great Britain | —Mr. Tomlinson, Counselor | |
| Greece | —Mr. Kalergis, Minister Counselor | |
| Luxembourg | —Minister Le Gallais | |
| Netherlands | —Ambassador van Roijen | |
| New Zealand | —Mr. Laking, Counselor | |
| Philippines | —Mr. de Castro, First Secretary | |
| Thailand. | —Ambassador Wan | |
| Turkey | —Mr. Esenbel, Counselor | |
| Union of South Africa- | —Mr. Jarvie, Counselor | |
| United States | —UNA, Mr. Hickerson | |
| FE—Mr. Merchant | ||
| EUR—Mr. Ringwait | ||
| EUR—Mr. Allen | ||
| UNP—Mr. Henkin | ||
| FE—Mr. Hackler | ||
| Army—Lt. Colonel Hutton | ||
| Army—Captain Pope |
Captain Pope reported that enemy activity had been light during the past 24 hours and that small groups up to company and battalion size had been engaged at a few points along the defense line.
He presented the substance of a special report from the Far Eastern Command concerning enemy capability which included the following main points: the present enemy offensive is probably designed to last for a longer period and make a deeper penetration than any previous [Page 415] offensive. It is apparently to be carried out in three phases with a commitment to each phase of one-third of the enemy strength available. Apparently the three major attacks are to be spread over a period of two months with Pusan as the final goal. A recent increase in supply efforts and concentration of divisions and tanks by the enemy are clear indications that further extensive operations are planned. The enemy is now making serious efforts to provide anti-aircraft defense for important points and some elements in the front line. Though he has the capability, the enemy has not yet committed his air force to active engagement but has kept North Korean airfields in operational control. During the present offensive the enemy has not been supported by guerrilla activity behind UN lines. Thus the enemy may be saving both his planes and guerrilla bands for use at a later and more critical period. In conclusion, Captain Pope quoted the F.E.C. report as stating that though the indications were inconclusive, they strongly pointed to enemy plans not only to continue the offensive but also to undertake operations on a more extensive basis than heretofore.
Lt. Colonel Hutton reported that there had been fewer UN casualties in the last few days than at any previous period. UN strength was being gradually shifted to the west, he reported.
Mr. Hickerson welcomed the Colombia Chargé d’Affaires, Dr. Mejia-Palacio, who was attending his first meeting. The Colombian frigate, Almirante Padilla, arrived recently in Far Eastern waters to take part in the UN action, Mr. Hickerson said, thus making Colombia the 16th member of the UN to contribute armed forces to the common effort.
Mr. Hickerson emphasized again the importance which the United States Government attached to action being taken now by the Additional Measures Committee for a limited embargo against Communist China.