FIRST PHASE ENDED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27447, 21 July 1950, Page 7

FIRST PHASE ENDED

Allied Campaign In Korea

ENEMY LOSES CHANCE OF VICTORY

New Zealand Press Association—Copyright

Rec. 10 p.m. TOKIO, July 20. With the deployment in Korea of major elements of the Eighth Army now accomplished, the first phase of the campaign has ended and with it the chance of victory of the North Korean forces, said the United Nations Supreme Commander, General MacArthur, today.

General MacArthur said: “ The enemy’s plan and great opportunity depended upon the speed with which he could over-run South Korea once he had breached the Han River line, and with overwhelming numbers and superior weapons he temporarily shattered South Korean resistance. This chance he has now lost through the extraordinary, speed with which the Eighth Army has been deployed from Japan to stem his rush. When he crashed the Han line the way seemed to be open and victory was within his grasp.

“ The desperate decision to throw in piecemeal American elements as they arrived by every available means of transport from Japan was the only hope to save the situation. The skill and valour thereafter displayed in successive holding actions by ground forces in accordance with this concept, brilliantly supported in complete co-ordination by air and naval elements, forced the enemy into continued deployments, costly frontal attacks, and confused logistics, which so slowed his advance and blunted his drive that we have bought the precious time necessary to build a secure base.”

General MacArthur said American casualties, in spite of overwhelming odds, had been relatively light. Future developments could not be predicted. Military strategy would involve planned withdrawals as well as local advances, but American strength would increase while the Communists’ would decline. Lull Continues

into the grim, dirt-grimed GlP’s still holding on stubbornly to the perimeter north and west of Taejon. The Americans today also took successful counter-actions against Communist infiltration which earlier threatened to cut their communications out of Taejon. The Communists shortly after dawn gained positions enabling them to mortar and machinegun the main road leading eastward out of Taejon. The American forces quickly moved into the area and restored freedom of movement through the narrow valley which connects Taejon with cities further south. Informed military sources state that the North Koreans brought up to the front virtually “ all they possess. There is now very little movement of Communist vehicles, tanks and supplies from the north. Meanwhile, American artillery and air attacks continue to take a heavy toll of Communist troops. Four American Shooting Star jet fighters shot down three North Korean Yak 9 fighters which were strafing and bombing American positions over Taejon yesterday morning, reports General MacArthur’s communique. Another Yak fighter was probably shot down. The American Air Force has now destroyed 31 Communist aircraft. One Shooting Star was lost, apparently shot down by ground fire. It has been announced that the Twenty-fifth Infantry Division is also in Korea. This means that Japan is now garrisoned by only one division. Other troops, however, are en route from the United States.

There has been no decisive ground action on the Korean front since the last communique, reports General MacArthur’s latest communique. This extends the lull to more than 48 hours and indicates that the Communist invaders may be hit harder than was originally estimated. Minor actions which have continued are South Korean attacks on the Reds in thv vicinity of Yongdok, 23 miles north of Pohang on the east coast. South Korean marines are also reported to be engaged in action with North Korean forces in the vicinity of Kunsan at the mouth of the Kum River on the west coast.

In the Taejon area, however, artillery fire has opened upon the Twentyfourth Division by the Red Fourth Division which may indicate a renewed offensive. Hostile troop movements continued to be observed moving into the area around Chungju, north-east of Taejon. A naval patrol off the east coast was particularly active firing six-inch guns into enemy troop concentrations, traffic on the roads, and ammunition dumps with considerable success. An answer has at last been found to stop Communist tanks which hitherto successfully penetrated American positions, reports Reuter’s correspondent with the United States forces. American 3.5 rocket launchers this morning smashed eight enemy tanks which rolled into the western suburbs of Taejon. This was the biggest American success yet against North Korean armour, putting new heart

Meanwhile at Pohang this hitherto lonely and neglected harbour has become Korea’s busiest port as under the threat of a typhoon which is spinning towards Korea the Americans continue to pour equipment ashore. Unloadings are being rushed to let the larger vessels escape to sea before the typhoon hits the coast.

NEW ZEALAND APPROACHED

Provision Of Ground Forces For Korea

NEW YORK. July 19. A request that New Zealand should examine the possibility of providing ground forces for Korea is contained in a letter which the United Nations Secretary-general, Mr Trygve Lie, has sent to the New Zealand Government. The letter also acknowledges the New Zealand Government’s reply regarding the Security Council resolution of June 27 and the help offered. Mr Lie’s letter says: “Your reply has been transmitted to the Security Council, the Government of Korea and the Unified Command. I have been informed that the Government of the United States which, under the resolution of July 7 has been given the responsibility for the unified command, is now prepared to engage in direct consultations with your Government in regard to the co-ordina-tion of all assistance in the general plan for the attainment of the objectives set forth in the Security Council resolution “ In this connection I have been advised that there is an urgent need for additional effective assistance. I should be grateful, therefore, if your Government would examine its capacity to provide an increased volume of combat forces, particularly ground forces. “ Offers of military assistance should be communicated to the SecretaryGeneral in general terms, leaving the detailed arrangements for subsequent agreement between your Government and the Unified Command.” Further Offers

Further offers of help came today in response to Mr Lie’s appeal. The French Government decided to place a French corvette at the disposal of the United Nations, and the Nicaraguan Government announced that 5000 well-trained Nicaraguan soldiers were ready for immediate service “ whereever the United Nations considers they are needed.”

An Ottawa message says that Canada would send a squadron of transport planes to help the United

Nations air lift for Korea,'the Prime Minister, Mr Louis St. Laurent announced. Cabinet also authorised additional recruiting for all three services.

Mr St. Laurent said that Canada “ at this stage ” did not intend to send first line elements of the army to Korea, but the Government would give immediate consideration to Canadian participation in any international legion recruited by the United Nations. Canada, in addition, would increase her defence effort and expenditures, build up the operation strength of the Air Force, and commission naval ships now in reserve and bring others up to full complements. The Burmese . Premier, Thakin Nu, declared that Burma would give any distressed United Nations member the fullest possible aid, moral or material, because Burma expected United Nations protection in the event of external aggression.

The Danish Foreign Minister, Mr Gustav Rasmussen, notified Mr Trygve Lie that Denmark is not in a position to send troops to the Far East, but is ready to send a Red Cross unit and staff to Korea. Australia’s Responsibility “As the only major democratic Power in the Western Pacific, Australia has a special responsibility in Korea,’’ says the Sydney Morning Herald. “The despatch of a single air squadron and two small warships cannot be considered an adequate response to the Security Council’s call for armed aid. America needs our help today. By giving it readily and fully we will earn enduring goodwill whose value needs no underlining. The immediate need in Korea is for infantry and guns to help redress the Communists' heavy numerical superiority on the ground. Such contribution is within Australia's means, and it is the Government’s duty to see that it is offered without delay.” *

The paper advocates the formation of a battalion for Korea from Australian troops already in Japan, and the raising of a much larger volunteer force in Australia of already experienced men.