No Danger Of A "Dunkirk," U.S. Spokesman Says

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23316, 27 July 1950, Page 7

No Danger Of A "Dunkirk," U.S. Spokesman Says

(10 a.m.) NEW YORK, July 2G The United Nations’ forces might be forced to withdraw to a beachhead on the Korean peninsula but there is no danger of a “Dunkirk” the senior United States military spokesman at Lake Success said.

He added that the United States forces will try to hold a perimeter with an arc of 100 to 150 miles which will give the Pusan beach-head an overall depth of about 30 miles. “We can hold this beach-head and we will. Anyone who expects a Dunkirk is making a serious mistake. “Aces up Our Sleeves”

“There is no reason for alarm. There is no chance of our being thrown out of the peninsula. We have aces up our sleeves.”

The spokesman said the Korean campaign might have to enter a period of “stabilisation” before the United Nations’ forces are strong enough to break out in a counter-offensive.

“Some reverses have to be expected in the present campaign but there is evidence that the United Nations' forces eventually can gain mastery in Korea,” the spokesman added. It would be “awfully useful” if other ground troops were offered to General MacArthur and said that the naval and air support already given had been “wonderful.” American officers in Korea are confident that a bridgehead will be held in South Korea from which to launch a counter-offensive. One said today that the south-west drive is only a ’’minor menace” and has been over-emphasised. He added that the Communists are only dissipating their strength by the run south.

American supplies are pouring into Korea ahead of schedule.

Another competent observer said, however, that at least six months would elapse before the American drive back would begin. “We respect the enemy’s ability to get supplies to the front.” an American spokesman commented. "The supply convoys move mainly at night. There has been no apparent slackening in the lightning offensive —which has given the Communists two-thirds of the south in a little over a month. Danger of Disaster Reviewing the Korean campaign, the London Daily Telegraph's military correspondent Lieutenant-General H. G. Martin, pointed out that of the eight North Korean divisions now engaged no fewer than six and a-half are attacking in the west and central sectors alone.

With such odds against them, the two United States divisions in the front line must expect to find their flanks enveloped in whatever position they may take up. General MacArthur says his forces are in Korea to stay but there can be no finality until the United States and South Korean forces have a continuous and stable front with their Hanks upon the sea. The longer this is delayed the greater will be the danger of disaster, General Martin adds.