THE KOREAN SITUATION

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-01617A005300010011-0
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 27, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 27, 2013
• Sequence Number: 11
• Publication Date: September 11, 1950
• Content Type: MEMO

Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/27: CIA-RDP78-01617A005300010011-0
SECRET
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
11 September 1950
MEMORANDUM Document No. 0 /0
NO CHANGE in Class.
SUBJECT: The Korean Sithation DECLIELD
fIL:ass.
C:CT TO: TS S C
D.111Mso, 4 An-.^ 77
I. 1.111SASOLEI.t_tiation Auth: IYAZLIG. 77 /17',
Date: By: I,
Summary
North Korean action during the past 48 hours was character-
ized by small scale probing attacks along most of the front.
Enemy troops made small gains north and west of T egu, and
penetrated defense positions south of UN-held Yonil airfield
below Pohang. In the Yongehon area, however, RO troops re-
ported considerable gains. UN naval aircraft struck hard at
defensive installations on islands in Inchon harbor, and other
air units stepped up their attack against lines of communication
throughout Korea.
Ground Forces
South Sector. The US 25th Division continued to hold its
positions west of Masan against small probing attacks by ele-
ments of the enemy 6th and 7th Divisions. Further to the north,
the US 2nd Division repulsed an enemy attack in regimental
strength without loss of position, but the enemy is reported
building up strength on the east side of the Nekton River in the
Hyonpimg area.
Center Sector. Heavy enemy pressure forced elements of
the finireerniailay Division to withdraw from 300 to 1,000 yards
north and west of Taegu. The ROK 1st and 6th Divisions con-
tinued to hold their positions north of Sinnyong against light
enemy attacks.
East Sector. Elements of the North orean /5th ivision
which were-Taiced back several miles from the Yongchon-Kyongju
ro d by the RO, 6th Division, lost two tanks, several guns, and
numerous small arms in disorganized retreat. :risk but inde-
cisive fighting continues north of Kyongju and south of Pohang.
UN forces appear to be in firm control of Kyongju, but the UN
position around Yonil is being threatened by an enemy pe etra-
tion south of the airfield.
SECRET
ARCHIVAL RECORD
PLEASE RETURN TO
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/27: CIA-RDP78-01617A005300010011-0
. Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/27: CIA-RDP78-01617A005300010011-0
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Navy
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UN naval units continued to support ground troops in the Pohang
area and in the area west of Masan with harassing and interdictive
bombardment. A UN naval patrol on the east coast to latitude 400
north used a helicopter to spot and control fire on land targets.
The same patrol sank two enemy patrol craft and damaged four ?
others. Naval. aircraft severely damaged defensive installations on
islands guarding the inner approach to Inchon harbor on the west
coast.
Air Force
UN aircraft stepped up the interdiction of communications,
striking in force against railroads, bridges, tunnels, marshalling
yards, and highways in both North and South Korea.
RI. General Situation
The South Korean Assembly voted overwhelmingly on 6 Septem-
ber to request President Rhee to dismiss Prime Minister-Defense
Minister Sin Sungmo and Home Minister Chough Pytmg Ok. The
President is expected to refuse the request.
The attack on Chough is based on his alleged violation of con-
stitutional immunities in the arrest of an Assemblyman for under-
cover Communist activity and the subsequent refusal to release
him. Rhee and Chough maintain that it is dangerous to release a
Communist agent during the hostilities regardless of immunities.
The Assembly's feeling against Sin is stronger and its causes
more complex. The feeling derives from Sin's alleged unbending
foreign ways, personal jealousies of prominent politicians, and
the lobbying of two important South Korean .generals who have
been relieved for cause on General Walker's order.
The US Embassy considers both Sin and Chough to be doing
outstanding jobs. MK assembly leaders appear impressed by
the Embassy's confidential indications that a domestic quarrel
would have serious external effects at this time but whether these
leaders will take steps to prevent an acrimonious legislative-
executive battle is not tmown.
r,?Jaadio Pyongyang has annum= the death in action on 8 Sep-
tem .r of Lt. General !tang Kun? North Korean Chief of Staff and
occupant of several important political posts.
DM-96
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SECRET
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/27: CIA-RDP78-01617A005300010011-0