MIG FIGHTER FOR ALLIES

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27151, 22 September 1953, Page 9

MIG FIGHTER FOR ALLIES

Pilot Lands On U.S. Field

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 11 pan.) SEOUL, September 21. A Russian-built MIG jet-fighter flown by a Communist pilot landed at Kimpo airbase, 15 miles west of Seoul today. The pilot, reported to be a North Korean, was taken before American Air Force intelligence officers for questioning. An eye-witness said the pilot made a “nervy” landing. After clambering out of the cockpit he took off his helmet, threw down his identity discs, and grasped hands of an American Air Force man who ran up to him.

The Red Star on the fuselage was the only marking on the silver jet plane.

A United States Air Force spokesman said that, so far as was known, the offer announced by General Mark Clark, United Nations Supreme Commander for Korea last April of a reward of 100.000 dollars for the first Communist pilot' to bring a MIG 15 or other Russian-made fighter intact to Allied hands was still open. The announcement offered the ptlot political asylum, and re-settlement in a non-Communist country. A reward of 50,000 dollars was offered to all pilots who followed the example of the first pilot. The Air Force man who saw the Communist pilot land, today said he followed all the instructions given at the time the reward was offered. An Air Force spokesman at the airfield said the pilot would not be allowed to be interviewed or identified, for fear of retaliation. He said that the pilot’s name and unit would not be disclosed.

Security measures were taken at the field after the jet landed, and the strictest check on the official pass of everyone leaving or entering the base was made. Special officers were placed on guard at the main entrance and only people working, or based on the airport were allowed to enter. The Air Force announcement said the plane was being checked “to see if it is a modern, operational combat type of MIG.”