'Secure Base' In South: More Forces Needed

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23315, 26 July 1950, Page 7

'Secure Base' In South: More Forces Needed

mini,,.. MacArfhur Reports To LLN. . . .

(N.Z.P.A.—Reuter— Copyright.) (10.45 a.m.) NEW YORK, July 25. General MacArthur today told the United Nations Security Council his hold on the southern part of Korea presented a “secure base,” and the United Nations’ forces were “there to stay.”

The Commander-in-Chief of the United Nations’ ' forces in Korea submitted his first operational report to the Council.

Part of it already lias been quoted by President Truman in his broadcast last week.

General MacArthur said: “The issue of battle is now fully joined and will proceed along the lines of action in which we will not be without choice. Our hold upon the southern part of Korea represents a secure base. Our casualties, despite overwhelming odds, have been relatively light. Our strength will continually increase while thai of the enemy will relatively decrease. llis supply line is insecure. He has had a great chance but failed to exploit it. "We are now in Korea with force and, with God’s help, we are there to stay until the constitutional authority of the Republic is fully restored. Estimated Red Forces General MacArthur reviewed the events since the North Koreans launched their "completely unprovoked invasion” on June 25. His estimate of the Communist forces involved initially was: 1.. Six divisions of infantry and three border constabulary brigades. 2. About 100 Soviet-made tanks and ample heavy artillery. 3. One hundred to 150 Sovietmade combat planes. The total strength of the North Korean forces was estimated between 90 000 and 100,000 organised in about seven divisions and five brigades “welltrained and equipped, chiefly with excellent Soviet material.” The South Koreans opposed to this mobile army were deployed with elements of four divisions without tanks or heavy artillery and with only 16 trainers as an air force. General MacArthur commented: "In the light of the above facts, it is apparent that the attack upon South Korea was a carefully planned, fullscale invasion in force.” Oilils Twenty To One The original American troops involved were a holding force only, facing odds as high as twenty to one. ,! Our army troops, ably supported by tactical aircraft of the United States Air Force, Navy and our Australian friends, flying under the most adverse weather conditions, distinguished themselves in the most difficult of military operations —delaying action.” Under the protection of this action the unified command forces had been steadily strengthened. The enemy’s severe losses on land and sea were curtailing his supply transport lines. General MacArthur said it had been inspiring to witness the speed with which various member nations had contributed warships. Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the Netherlands had sent vessels.

Resources Beyond Own Means

In an indirect reference to Russia and Communist China, General MacArthur declared: ‘‘From the continuing appearance on the battlefield of large numbers of enemy personnel and equipment, it Is now apparent that the North Korean aggressors have available to them resources far in excess of their internal capabilities. This, with the initial advantage of the aggressor, combines to give the enemy strength which cannot be overcome until the United Nations’ forces achieve the effect of superiority in weapons and manpower.” General MacArthur warned that the task was not a small one. However, the full effect of the contribution from each member nation would be felt in the ultimate defeat of the aggressors.