U.S. DEMAND TO DR. RHEE

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27071, 20 June 1953, Page 7

U.S. DEMAND TO DR. RHEE

Recapture Of War Prisoners

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 11 p.m.) WASHINGTON, June 19. President Eisenhower has demanded the recapture of the non-Communist North Korean prisoners of war freed by South Korea in an attempt to block a truce with the Chinese. Mr Eisenhower made the demand in a secret, sharplyworded message to the President of South Korea (Dr. Syngman Rhee), according to the “New York Times.”

More than 1000 North Koreans were released or escaped from prison camps last night. The total now free is 25,952, leaving only about 8000 North Koreans who have refused repatriation still in South Korean prison camps. The United Nations Command last night told the Communists at Panmunjon about the release of the North Korean prisoners and promised that every effort would be made to recover them. According to an agreement with the Communists earlier this month, all prisoners unwilling to return home must be handed tQ a neutral nations’ repatriation commission. Allied observers fear that the liberation of the prisoners might jeopardise the projected armistice.

A meeting of the top armistice negotiators called by the Communists for tomorrow probably will be crucial, observers here predict.

The American Associated Press correspondent reported that many United Nations officials were optimistic that the meeting would signal the announcement of a formal armistice in the three-year-old war. According to the United Press, however, more people closely associated with the truce talks believe that the Communists intend to deliver a sharp reply to the United Nations Note of yesterday informing them of the escape of tens of thousands of war prisoners. Many close observers felt that Saturday would bring a grave turn in the negotiations. In Washington, Administration officials admitted that it naw seemed impossible to sign a Korean truce by Saturday night, as the Allies had expected. They remained hopeful, however, that the disappointing new delay

would be short in spite of South Korea’s violent and so fat successful campaign to block the end of the war. The Government was understood to be considering—and some Congressmen were demanding—strong action to bring President Rhee “into line.” Senator Hubert Humphrey, the temporary Senate majority leader, said: “It is imperative that we exert firm leadership and control in dealing with the South Korean Government.” He reflected the feeling of most members cf Congress critical of Dr. Rhee’s stand. An exception was Senator Joseph McCarthy, who said: “Freedom-loving people throughout the world should applaud the action of Dr. Rhee.” “Violation of U.N. Command” The American Secretary of State (Mr John Foster DuUes) said that South Korea’s action was “in violation of the United Nations Command.” Mr Dulles said: “I have been in conference with the President regarding the unilateral action taken by the Republic of Korea to release prematurely North Korean prisoners of war. This action was in violation of the authority of the United Nations Command, on which the Republic of Korea had agreed. On behalf of the United Nations, we have conducted our negotions for an, armistice in. good faith and we have acted and are acting in good faith.” Apart from the possibility of a breakdown in the armistice, high United States military officials today expressed grave fear of two eventualities in Korea. These were: (1) United States soldiers attempting to recapture the prisoners might clash bloodily with South Korean troops who have been ordered to forestall their efforts. (2) Dr. Rhee might order front-line South Korean troops into an offensive against the Communists not approved by the United Nations. In Toronto, Canada’s Foreign Minister (Mr Lester Pearson) - said Canadian troops in Korea would not be used to support any fighting the South Koreans might launch against the North Koreans after an armistice. Mr Pearson, who also is President of the United Nations General Assembly, told a political rally: “We are under no obligation to support or participate in any operation brought on by the Government of the Republic of Korea and not by a decision of the United Nations.”

Indian Government sources said today that Dr. Rhee’s release of North Korean prisoners was “greatly ref retted.” There was no change in the ndian Government’s attitude. It was prepared to carry out its undertakings on the Korean agreement.