“GREAT VICTORY”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26770, 13 May 1948, Page 7

“GREAT VICTORY”

AMERICAN VIEW OF KOREAN ELECTIONS DIFFICULTIES OVERCOME PJ.Z.P.A. —Copyright Rec. 11.30 p.m. SEOUL, May 12. The tremendous vote polled by patriotic, freedom-loving citizens in the United States zone of Korea was an unprecedented victory for democracy over the all-out efforts of Communist-directed subversive propaganda, terrorism and slaughter, Lieutenant - general John Hodge, commander-in-chief of the American occupation forces, said to-day. Lieutenant-general Hodge added that the millions of people who voted in South Korea did not want Communist or demagogic dictatorship. By their determination in voting in the face of difficulties, they had proved that they would not be denied. Tension Eased Tension has eased throughout South Korea following the first democratic elections. Citizens are moving about freely, and showing a marked interest in the early election returns displayed on street boards. These results place the five moderate Rightists of the Hankook Democratic Party ahead in Seoul. Syngman Rhee, leader of the Korean Independence Party, was elected unopposed in Seoul, but none of his supporters are ahead in metropolitan contests. Independent candidates are most prominent, in the preliminary returns from the country. Among the few final returns so far received is the success of the Leftist Party in Pusan. Complete returns are not expected for several days. Cable of Protest The United Nations Commission, which has been observing the Korean elections, to-day filed a cable of protest to the United Nations Secretarygeneral, Mr Trygve Lie, against the refusal by General MacArthur to permit the commission to enter Japan for the purpose of writing a report on the freedom of elections. The commission had intended writing its report in Japan, so as to get away from the atmosphere of the election. The commission expects Mr Lie to make an official United Nations protest.