ATTITUDE OF U.N.

Press, Volume C, Issue 29515, 17 May 1961, Page 15

ATTITUDE OF U.N.

Rebellion Opposed

(N Z.P.A -Reuter—Copyright) SEOUL, May 16.

A news broadcast in Seoul today by the United Nations Military Command saying that the United States opposed the military rebellion and maintained support for the Prime Minister, Dr. John Chang, had Koreans wondering w’hat was to happen next. Seoul Radio, now controlled by a military junta, ignored the statements issued by Marshall Green, the Acting United States Ambassador. and General Carter B Magruder, Commander-in-Chief of the United Nations Command, which announced American support for Dr Chang. A United Nations spokesman in Seoul said: “We made our positions clear Now we must wait and see what happens. One side must give in. That is for sure." The United Nations Command broadcasts were made in Korean and English. Eight hours after the first announcement there was no reaction from the military revolutionary council formed by Lieutenant-General Chang Do Yung. The spokesman for the United Nations Command denied American troops were being mobilised to back General Macgruder’s statement.

Five or six police and civilians were reported injured, some seriously, in the fighting The junta afterwards claimed control of other important cities and said it had taken over all functions of Government. Reuter renorted The junta said it had ousted the Democratic Party regime of Dr John Chane because it had “failed tn relieve the people's sufferings " The junta said it was antiCommunist and nro-United Nations, and would remain friendly to the Un : ted States. There wa« no immediate word from Dr. Chang. He was reported to be in the Bendo Hotel with his tyife The hotel was under heavy guard by soldiers. Most members of Dr Chang’s Cabinet were reported to be under arrest The revolutionary committee declared its action was a complete success and there was no immediate indication of any counter activity. The 38-year-old Lieuten-ant-General Chang has not snoken on the Seoul Radio himself. The young general became Arms Chief of Staff earlier this year. Tt was the 'econd reorganisation of too Army posts since the revolution that denoted Dr SvnsRhee's regime in April 1960. Informants at revolutionary committee headquarters said a young snaring brigadier general. Kim Yoom-Kun was a ton leader in the coun They said the main force of the troons was the Third Marine Brigade. The marines had marched into Seoul from Kimpo. about 20 miles north-west of the capital. encountering some resistance from Korean Army military nolice Heavv shooting was heard in an area near police headquarters. The announcement of martial law said all airports and seaports would be closed from 9 a.m. excent for international airline flights. The radio said foreigners would be allowed to enter and leave the country, but that all arrivals and departures would be subject to military inspection. Taegu, South Korea’s third largest city. 200 miles south of Seoul, was reported to have been taken over bv troops. Another report, from Pusan, the major port on the

southern tip of Korea, said police there had taken over the city hall and radio station. President Yun Po-Sun was reported to be in the Presidential mansion in Seoul at noon today, apparently under house arrest. In Seoul, uncertainty and

confusion continued this morning as rifle shots still echoed in various parts of the city, and sporadic small arms fire broke out at the central railway station, Reuter said. As the people thronged the streets to try to get to work, a light military aircraft circled overhead, dropping leaflets telling them of the coup. A few shops were open, but military police cordoned off main streets. Reuter said the Acting United States Ambassador in Seoul, Mr Marshall Green, announced today: “I wish to make it emphatically clear that the United States supports the constitutional Gov-' eminent of the Republic of Korea as elected by the people last July, and as instituted last August with the election of the Prime Minister” Most recent information available indicated there are about 7000 American civilians in Korea and about 50.000 to 60.000 United States military personnel. The British United Press reported that observers said action by General Carter B. Magruder's troops could deal a death blow to the revolt. South Korea as well as United States troops came under his command. The United States also controlled all military supplies going to South Korea, and could cut them off if necessary. There were some uncon- ' firmed rumours that the mili-i tary revolutionary committee., appointed to control the country, did not have the support of the entire Army, the news agency said. Some sources said Lieutenant - General Chang had been reluctant to take part in the coup.