AMERICANS INTEND TO MAKE SOUTH KOREA SECURE

Grey River Argus, 21 September 1948, Page 5

AMERICANS INTEND TO MAKE SOUTH KOREA SECURE

No Withdrawal of Troops Yet

(N.Z.P.A.—Reuter Cable). (Received September 20, 8.0 p.m.b TOKIO, September 19. The American forces in Korea will be scaled down, but a full withdrawal is unlikely for many months yet, according to informed sources in Tokio. The Soviet has indicated an intended withdrawal from North Korea. The United States authorities have long been prepared for a unilateral Soviet withdrawal from Korea, but until the South Korean Government is properly established, and feels capable of meeting the northern challenge, at least some American forces will remain. The American view is that too much has been expended in South Korea to permit its destruction by a premature withdrawal. The Northern Korean People’s Army, Soviet trained and equipped, is known to consist of three divisions, with adequate reserves. If the United States, forces withdrew, this army could, and most certainly would, overthrow the south in a matter of weeks.

To give Mr. Syngman Rhee’s Government at least a “sporting chance” of defending itself, the United States is currently giving assistance to the formation of the Korean Constabulary (Army) which now consists of about 50,000 partially-armed and partiallytrained volunteers. An Associated Press dispatch from Seoul reports that President Syngman Rhee said to-day that he welcomed Russia’s plan to withdraw her troops from North Korea. “There is no reason for them to be there. The Soviet plan must mean that the Soviets feel/ the Communist regime in North Ko-I rea is secure. I went to assure North' Koreans that no army, either Korean or foreign, from South Korea will ever molest them. I know the Am_ericans will pull out as soon as the situation is ready,” he said.