COUP D’ETAT SUCCEEDS IN SOUTH KOREA

Press, Volume C, Issue 29517, 19 May 1961, Page 11

COUP D’ETAT SUCCEEDS IN SOUTH KOREA

Prime Minister, Cabinet Resign

(N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright)

SEOUL, May 18. Dr. John Chang, the Prime Minister of South Korea, formally resigned with his Cabinet today and President Po Sun Yun promptly declared his support for the new ruling military junta, United Press International reported. The twin moves handed a complete victory to the revolutionary command, which launched its seizure of power only two days ago, U.P.I. said.

The victory was achieved in spite of strong opposition from United States officials in Korea, who had sought to restore Dr. Chang’s Government in the early hours of the rebellion. Earlier all of South Korea’s top military leaders —Army, Air Force, Marine and Navy—had met and voted support for the coup.

A statement read by Dr. Chang after the Cabinet meeting said: “My whole Cabinet has decided to resign en bloc after feeling responsibility for the military coup d’etat. “It is our hope that in settling the present difficulties bloodshed will be avoided and anti-Communist efforts will be strengthened so that international support can be secured (for this country)." Dr. Chang insisted that he had made his decision to resign “free from any duress —as a free agent.” He described himself as "once more just a plain citizen.” Dr. Chang gave himself up at about 12.15 p.m. and was immediately escorted to the Capitol building under a military police guard to take part in a Cabinet meeting. The meeting took place after a demand by the revolutionary council that Dr. Chang’s Government transfer power to it unconditionally. It was the second time in two days that the Army had tried to get this resolution out of Dr. Chang's Cabinet. Yesterday, only five members of the 15-man Cabinet took part in the meeting—insufficient to make a quorum. Today, with the surrender of Dr. Chang, the number was brought to eight ■Dr. Chang emerged from the Cabinet meeting smiling and looking composed. He said he had been in hiding with a friend in Seoul "J- have been watching the situation.” he said. Dr. Chang told reporters that the Cabinet had decided to give de facto approval to the emergency martial law proclaimed by the Army Chief of Staff. LieutenantGeneral Do Yung Chang, last Tuesday. “We hope the people understand this decision.” Dr. Chang said. “As we retire it is our sincere hope that no bloodshed should come The junta’s antiCommunist spirit should be heightened, and . . . the international relations with friendly countries .should be maintained. "We also approved the martial law. We legalised it at the council meeting today I plan to see the President to report our recognition and also our decision legalising martial law.” he said. U.P.I reported A secretary said the Prime Minister had met the United States Charge d’Affaires, Mr Marshall Green, just before today's Cabinet meeting Seoul Radio carried a recorded resignation statement in Dr. Chang’s voice. Seoul Radio, controlled by the revolutionary committee since Tuesday’s coup, said earlier that heads of the Army. Navy. Air Force and Marines had met this morning and voiced support for the junta Last night the committee claimed it had won the backing of the influential commander of the front-line First Field Army, Lieu-tenant-General Lee Han Lim Cabinet members who had been under house arrest at the Capitol building later

left the building after the Cabinet meeting. It appeared that the revolutionary council had given them freedom of movement. Dr. Chang later visited the Presidential palace, where he submitted his resignation to the President. After staying 10 minutes he returned to his private home and told the waiting reporters: “I have nothing more to say.” A thousand military academy cadets, led by their officers today marched into Seoul and were cheered by crowds. Thousands of Koreans joined the cadets in the march and by the time they reached the city hall the demonstrators numbered 20.000 or more. General Chang appeared on the city hall steps with Major-General Pak Chung-Hi. who is considered by many to be the brains of the revolution. Loudspeakers announced there would be a “ceremony of the revolution.” The cadets declared their “first and last purpose is to support anti-communism and democracy." General Chang then said that the coup would succeed in establishing a new democratic Government and the, military would then return to its soldierly duties. Reuter said today's South Korean newspapers some of which had remained cautious yesterday, emphasised the unity of the Korean Army behind General Chang. United Press International said that Lieutenant-General Lee Han Lim was reported to have been relieved of his command of the First South Korean Army, which guards

the truce line and contains most of the combat units in the South Korean Army. As Dr. Chang was going for his meeting with General Chang. American military and civilian officials ended an hour’s meeting at the United States Embassy. Included in this meeting were the Commander of United Nations and United States Forces in Korea (General Carter Magruder), the United States Charge d’Affaires <Mr Green), the chief of the American aid mission in Korea (Mr Raymond Royer) and a number of other high-ranking military and civilian officials. The French and British Ambassadors also attended at least part of the meeting U.P.I said The American officials appeared grim as they emerged from the meeting and declined to answer any questions from newsmen. “No comment” Mr Green snapped when approached by U.P.I.