Americans Ban Refugees From Roads in Zone

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23314, 25 July 1950, Page 5

Americans Ban Refugees From Roads in Zone

TOKYO, July 24

Strict precautions were clamped down today on Koreans in the American combat zone in order to stop sabotage and enemy infiltration. Since the Americans began fighting in Korea the greatest difficulty’' encountered has been penetration of their lines by North Korean troops disguised as refugees or South Korean farmers.

The American Army authorities have now banned the movement south of civilian refugees. They will be regarded the same as enemy troops and fired on if seen in the American zone. All civilians who remain in the combat zone will be confined to their homes except for two hours daily when they will be Dermitted to purchase food and obtain water. Movement outside the hours is permitted only for essential personnel—police, municipal authorities, doctors, midwives, telephone maintenance workers. railroad employees and factory workers. These people will wear appropriate armbands. South Koreans desiring to evacuate the combat zone willl no longer be able to wander south at will, closing roadways and obstructing military traffic. Under supervision they will be moved by special trains. On arrival at the destination they must undergo careful screening to ensure that no North Koreans have sneaked in en route. They are prohibited from leaving the area to which they are evacuated. Screening will also be given to the South Korean Army and stragglers will be arrested on suspicion of being North Korean fifth columnists or guerrillas immediately they cross into the American line.